In my very humble opinion, yogurt is essential to any successful smoothie endeavor, as it adds a creaminess that is unsurpassed. Plus, the inclusion of yogurt in a smoothie not only benefits in the flavor department, but it’s also great for your health, too.

Well known health benefits of yogurt

Firstly, your body needs to have a healthy amount of ”good” bacteria within the digestive tract, and many yogurts are made with active, good bacteria cultures. One of the words you’ll be hearing more of in relation to yogurt is probiotics.

Probiotic, which literally means “for life”, refers to living organisms that deliver vital nutrients and health benefits when eaten in adequate amounts. The benefits associated with probiotics are specific to certain strains of these “good” bacteria.

They are beneficial because they adjust the micro flora (the natural balance of organisms) in the intestines, and by acting directly on body functions, such as digestion or immune function. However, only yogurts that say “live and active cultures” on the label contain probiotics, so don’t be fooled into thinking that all yogurts are created equal.

Sounds kind of gross. Why do we eat yogurt again?

Including probiotics into your daily routine can deliver trans-formative benefits to your body.

Here are the top 5 reasons to get more active cultures into your diet.

1. Yogurt may help prevent the development of osteoporosis because of its high level of calcium, but what makes it really special is the vitamin D. This spiffy little vitamin promotes the absorption of calcium into the body.
2. Yogurt may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. In one study published on WebMD.com, scientists found a 50% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure among people eating 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy a day (or more), compared with those without any intake.
3. Yogurt with active cultures helps the gut. You’ve likely heard this before (at least once in this article so far!) but it bears repeating. Yogurt with active cultures may help with certain gastrointestinal issues such as lactose intolerance, constipation, diarrhea, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and H. pylori infection. It does so by changing the micro flora in the gut, improving immunity and helping food move through the intestines and bowels.
4. Yogurt with active cultures may help relieve vaginal infections because the active cultures help to balance the female bodies PH, therefore eliminating the ideal environment for yeast to thrive.
5. Yogurt may help you to feel more full, although the evidence as to why this happens is still relatively unknown. But low-fat yogurt is a dieter’s best friend, helping to satiate and provide a full feeling is a plus for anyone watching their weight.

The laundry list of benefits associated with eating yogurt is undeniable. There are so many flavors and varieties to choose from, and they are begging to add that je ne sais quoi to your smoothie routine. Just be sure to check the label for active cultures to reap all the benefits!

Tell us: what’s your favorite brand/flavor of yogurt to include in your smoothies? Post your comment below!

My family hails from the tropics, so I’m attracted to tropical flavors by nature. Coconut and mangoes are flavors I was raised on, but now I’m living in Canada where winters are long and harsh. It can be difficult to channel the flavors of my ancestry.

A nostalgic Caribbean weekend

Saturday was my city’s Caribbean festival, and since my grandmother is on the board of directors, it has become a family tradition to spend the day together and celebrate our culture. On a day as long as this one tends to be, it’s crucial that I start my day with something healthy.

That’s because a day full of Caribbean food is not a day of light eating. As I love smoothies and most often start my day with one, I decided to make a smoothie that encompassed some of the flavors of my heritage but with a healthy sensibility.

Mangoes, coconut, raspberry and vanilla are all swoon worthy flavors on their own, but when paired together they are a sensational combination. And flavors aside, these ingredients are full of vitamins and minerals that benefit the body in many ways.

Why drink Caribbean fruit smoothies?

For people suffering from high levels of acidity, mangoes can be very beneficial because the enzymes found in mangoes help to relieve symptoms of indigestion. The active ingredients such as esters, terpenes and aldehydes present in mango helps to ease in the process of digestion by relieving gas and heartburn.

Not to mention the high levels of soluble dietary fiber, pectin and vitamin c that are naturally present in mangoes have been proven to lower serum cholesterol levels specifically LDL cholesterol.

Raspberries are an excellent source of anthocyanins, the powerful anti-oxidants, which give berries their deep colors. Anthocyanins retard the effects of aging, prevent cancer and may reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re a good source of quercetin, a flavonol and anti-oxidant which has anti-carcinogenic properties. It also induces the release of histamines, which can minimize allergic reactions.

Coconut water is a well known hydrator and anti viral ingredient. It’s also heavily studied for it’s potential in HIV and AIDS treatments. Coconut water also lowers the caloric value of this smoothie. Using something lean like coconut water in a smoothie cuts calories but boosts flavor and health benefits – it’s a win-win!

I blended all these ingredients together and took one sip…and was immediately transported back to the homeland! Smooth, creamy and exactly what I needed to properly usher in a day all dedicated completely to the tropics!

Coconut Raspberry and Mango Smoothie

• ½ pint raspberries
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup frozen mangoes
• 240 ml coconut water
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, vanilla flavor

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Garnish with shredded coconut and a raspberry.

Freeze Your Fruit: Bananas do better in a smoothie when they are frozen. Once ripened, throw those bananas in the freezer. To use them in your smoothies, just peel and chop them first. You can freeze any fresh fruit for a tasty smoothie treat later.

Order of Ingredients: Start with your liquids and then add in order:  frozen fruit, powders/tinctures/add-ins, ice, and then the fresh fruit. The ingredients blend better when ordered this way.

Less Liquid: even though beginning with liquids keeps the blender from getting clogged, keep the liquids you add to your smoothie to a minimal. Put enough in to keep the blending smooth, but not too much that your smoothie is soupy. Add more liquid at the end if the smoothie is too thick.

No Sugar Added: Fresh fruit and juices have natural sugars in them. Add the following for oversweet smoothies: pear, grape, apple, or pomegranate juice.  Or toss in a banana.  If you really have a sweet tooth, add agave or honey.

Some Healthy Smoothie Add-Ins:

• Wheatgrass Juice: power-packed with nutrients, wheatgrass juice adds energy and a vibrancy to any smoothie. Use juice from fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried wheatgrass.
• Supplements: add liquid and powdered health supplements that you’re taking. It is a fun way to get the extra benefits you need without having to choke down the inevitably bitter or sour tasting supplement. For example, I routinely add greens, iodine, and a sulfur supplement.
• Probiotic Power: add in soy, goat milk, or cow’s milk plain yogurt for tang and probiotic goodness. Remember to use plain yogurt in your smoothies, as many flavored yogurts will add a ‘fake’ fruit flavor you don’t need. If yogurt isn’t to your taste, add in a powdered probiotic to enhance digestion.
• Protein Powders: if you’re taking a protein powder anyway, add it to your smoothie to ease the consumption.
• Bee Bounty: Add in some royal jelly or honey for a sweet twist!

Soy Milk / Citrus Fruit = Yuck: Soymilk doesn’t typically mix well with citrus. With soymilk, use berries, bananas, and sweet fruits.

Fresh Juice: If using juice in your smoothie, fresh-squeezed is better for both nutritional value and taste.

Add Pizazz: by blending a smoothie with Kombucha. Add fruit that enhances the flavor of your kombucha and don’t forget to add plenty of ice. Kombucha smoothies separate quickly, so drink it up as soon as it’s blended.

Go Organic: Organic fruit is the way to go since consuming smoothies is typically about flavor and health. Fruit are some of the most susceptible crops to pesticides and farming chemicals. Organic fruits have more flavor anyway.

Keep it Interesting: Play around with smoothie combinations and blend away the boredom. Try lemon-strawberry, banana-mango, ginger-lemon, tangerine-banana, grape-watermelon, and more. Combinations are endless—so experiment!

Smoothies add positive health benefits by providing vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber in a tasty treat. It’s a great way to start your day or give you an afternoon pick-me-up.  For maximum benefit, drink your smoothie right away. Of course, if you have some left over, just put it in the freezer for later or share it with me.

What are some of your favorite smoothie-tips? Let us know in a comment!

I like green – it’s a great color. And I love smoothies – they’re delicious. But despite my love for both, I haven’t had much luck with green smoothies. Every rendition I’ve had- self made or store bought- have either left me with bitter smoothie face or sick to my stomach; so to say my luck with green smoothies is less than stellar would be grossly understated. And, truth be told, I have given green smoothies a solid Harvard try- I really wanted to like them.

So what was it about them that I didn’t like, you ask? Honestly they were too green, not just in color but in flavor – they were overwhelmingly green. I mean, I like greens as much as the next guy, but there was far too much green going on; and although I know very well that greens are good for me (thank you Dr.Oz), I have high taste standards and a demand that my food taste good going down. I’ve developed Prima Donna eating habits, honestly.

I digress. Seeing as a healthy juicing and smoothie lifestyle contains greens, I’ve decided to change the definition of “green” smoothie  to “contains green” smoothie. Rules were meant to be broken, right? Right! And to all those green smoothie purists out there, I will have you know there is nothing that kisses a green smoothie with the right touch than, say, raspberries, fresh mint, Greek yogurt and skim milk? Doesn’t that sound good?

Well it should, because it is! The subtle mint flavor blended with the creaminess of the yogurt and the tart sweetness of the raspberries is what I call delicious; and even though there are copious amounts of spinach in this smoothie, you wouldn’t know it – and although that may be gauche to say, I like that!

So don’t be fooled. This smoothie may not be green in color, but it’s chocked full of green goodness, and that’s what really matters.

Contains Green Smoothie

• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 5 leaves of mint

In a blender combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

I’ve always been a multi-tasker, but recently have found myself forgetting things and muti-tasking has become more difficult.  The other day I walked down two flights of stairs to get something in the basement.  Once down there, I put what I needed on a shelf and started another quick project in the basement.  A few minutes later I walked back up the two flights of stairs and sat at my desk only to discover I had forgotten what I went into the basement for!  The books were still sitting on the shelf in the basement!  Now I understand this could be great exercise, but REALLY?  I spoke with my friend who said she was suffering from the same thing and was starting to get worried about it.  Then we forgot what we were talking about and went on to the next subject.

I’ve written before about some symptoms of menopause and since I’ve started to have a few more myself, thought I’d catch you up on some more natural alternatives.  My hot flashes lasted (so far) a month or so.  Every day and night.  I try to drink some sort of smoothie every day and I always add ground flax.  I feel much better and recently read that flaxseed is a super-food and can help with menopause symptoms.  Women used flaxseed in ancient Babylon 5,000 years ago.  Greek physician Hippocrates recommended it back in 400 B.C.  Flaxseed contains compounds called lignans, which mimic hormones without the harmful side effects.  These lignans may, in fact, prevent both breast cancer and colon cancer.  This seed is commonly used as a laxative. Another benefit!  Flaxseed and flaxseed oil have both been used to reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.  The result? The reduction of the risk of heart disease.  Flaxseed oil is great too.  I sometimes put that in my green smoothies, however it doesn’t have the fiber that the seeds have.  You can buy whole seed in your store and grind it in a coffee grinder or seed grinder.  Be sure to store it in a glass, air tight container in your fridge to extend the life of your seed.  Also, grind only what you need if you can.  It will turn rancid more quickly in its ground form.

Flaxseed can be added to any smoothie; green, chocolate or fruit.  You can add this super food on top of your fresh fruit, in your oatmeal, cereal or on your yogurt.  Be sure to use ground flaxseed.  Nutrition experts agree that ground flaxseed is better.  Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestines undigested.  This means you won’t get all the health benefits. So grind it up girls.  Here’s what Ameriflax says about substituting flax in your recipes:

And then there’s your skin.  Hormones can wreak havoc on your skin.  I’ve started to notice my skin becoming thinner and it feels different on my face.  Sure enough, hormonal deficits associated with menopause, will start to change the skin.  Women, during their 30′s, begin to produce lower hormone levels.  The symptoms of this do not usually begin to appear until her 40′s.  This is the stage called perimenopause.  I wish I started some things before this time.  I’m here telling you this so you can!  At menopause, women experience a drop in three hormones: estrogen, progestin and follicle stimulating hormone.  The loss of estrogen has the most significant effect on the skin.  The amount of collagen and elastin in the subdermis breaks down and gradually declines, blood supply decreases, and the dermis thins.  This has also affected the strength in my wrists.  And the results of all of this please?  Dry dull skin, changes in texture and pore size, and additional lines and wrinkles.  Thanks.

There are also changes in skin tone.  More freckles or patches on the cheeks and/or around the mouth.  Your pigment cells decrease by about 10% every decade after the age of 30 and with menopause, women begin to see irregular pigmentation.  Estrogen promotes the permeability of blood vessels and the loss of that hormone can cause blood vessels to stiffen and break, which can create broken capillaries.  Hot flashes will cause further damage.

Here are some key ingredients to look for in your skin care products (you may want to begin treatments before the symptoms start):

Peptides -  These are bulky molecules made up of amino acids each with specific skin functions.  Palmitoyl pentapeptide stimulates collagen and elastin formation.  Argireline helps prevent wrinkles caused by muscular contractions.  Oligopeptide 34 helps combat irregular pigmentation.

Pytoestrogens – These naturally occuring plant compounds possess estrogen-like qualities.

Retinoids – Vitamin A in the form of retinol or retinoic acid, improves skin elasticity, re-texturizes and helps reverse photodamage and enhance new cell growth.  Retinol is one of the few skin care ingredients to be scientifically studied and proven in clinical trials.

Moisturizers - Dehydration is the number one skin problem (This is really noticeable on me, even though I drink ALOT).  Look for high powered humectants and emollients, such as: sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, vitamin E, natural oils, squalene and ceramides, in your moisturizers.

Skin, after menopause, will continue to degenerate.  Your skin could lose up to 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause.

Take the time now to replenish your skin, before menopause.  I’m learning and guess what I did yesterday?  That’s right, I looked for moisturizers!

What exactly is this simple, healthy food?  You make yogurt by adding two bacterial cultures, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, to pasteurized milk to trun it into a thicker, fermented form.  All forms of yogurt contain these cultures at the start, and many supplement with additional probiotics that are associated with specific health benefits. 

The healing benefits of yogurt have been known for centuries.  The active live cultures used for the making of yogurt and kefir are the good bacteria needed for your body to function at its highest level, can help you live longer and may fortify your immune system.  The good bacteria prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and disease.  Good bacteria prevents imbalances in your body’s yeast levels.  Urinary tract infections and yeast infections can be prevented when your body is in balance.  Antibiotics will destroy the good bacteria present in your body.  Stress, sugar, menopause and processed food can also affect your body’s bacteria levels.  It is said that active live cultures actually reduce the yogurt’s level of lactose, therefore making yogurt a dairy alternative.  There are also many varieties of soy, rice and coconut milk yogurt.  Don’t be afraid to ask your local grocery if you don’t see it on the shelf.

Dairy yogurt is made from dairy products milk and cream that is cultured with active live cultures.  Your body’s intestines are filled with bacteria that has to maintain a delicate balance of power to keep you functioning.  If one type of bacteria flourishes, your intestinal flora will be off balance.  Yogurt will help restore balance in the intestinal system.  Eating yogurt is also good for, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gas and bloating.

Yogurt is also a great source of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin-vitamin B2, iodine and protein.  Protein is essential for many of your body’s systems and is also good for curbing your appetite.  You can add fruit, nuts, granola and fresh berries to yogurt.  Yogurt can also be added to fruit smoothies or you can substitue yogurt for milk in some recipes. 

In 2003, a Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a common link to women who consumed probiotic-fermented milk products and fresh berry juice had a lower recurrence of urinary tract infections.  Daily consumption of just 3 ounces of probiotic yogurt improved the cholesterol profile, lowered LDL (bad cholesterol) while raising the good cholesterol, in a study with women volunteers.  Studies have also shown that freezing yogurt will not affect or reduce the probiotic content.  Probiotic supplements can also be taken.  Choose one that shows an expiration date for its living organisms.

It’s certainly best to buy organic yogurt.  I stay away from dairy and soy, so I purchase the rice or coconut milk yogurt.  I also don’t want any added sugar to my food, so I try to pick up the natural or vanilla yogurt and add the fruit, granola, agave nectar or honey for breakfast or snack.  I don’t care about the low fat variety because of the artificial sweeteners in them.  Look for yogurt that is low in sugar and doesn’t add trans fat or high fructose corn syrup.  Check the levels of active live cultures.  The more there are the better the benefit.  You can also use yogurt as a substitution for sour cream on baked potatoes, yams or other veggies (cooked or uncooked). 

I’m ending this blog with an update about my Dad.  He recently went into the hospital for bypass surgery.  Although the surgery was successful, almost four weeks later he is still in the hospital.  I was with him for the first two weeks and watched nurses (not all) going through “the motions” of care.  Unfortunately, my Dad was given a combination of five different drugs one night when he couldn’t sleep.  Not only did this set him back in his recovery, but it proved to me why I don’t like hospitals.  There is so much more to say about his care during his time in the hospital.  I can only hope that if someone you love is in the hospital, you or someone you trust is there at all times to oversee what the staff is doing.  I realize it is not an easy job to be a caregiver, doctor or nurse, especially when caring for the elderly.  And those who do are to be commended.  Thank you for your service.  I’m speaking from firsthand experience and from a daughter whose father is still in the medical system.

These statements are informational only. Please consult with your physician if you have questions.

In these times when we are hearing so much about swine flu, I thought I’d add my two cents regarding how I feel about the rumors and the lies being told.  To be honest, I don’t know which are lies and what is the truth about this issue.  I DO KNOW this, it is possible to protect and promote good health.  I also know that I have set a plan with my daughter in college just in case “they” come around and start requiring immunizations at her school (that’s not from a fear standpoint…that’s just common sense).  I will share some things I’ve heard about the flu and what I know as the truth about keeping your body in balance.  I’m sure you will make your own informed decision regarding this.  Swine flu is going around at my daughter’s college.  It just started this week (9/9).  There are signs all over campus.  They are keeping up on it, however another college in her town just had one death from swine flu.  This person had underlying circumstances.  The college tell you to stay at least six feet away from your roomate and stay in your room until 24 hours after you’ve had a fever.  It is important now, more than ever, to boost your body’s immune system.

I’ve read that even if you believe the so-called vaccine will work, it would take vaccinating 200,000 people to prevent the death of just one person from swine flu.  And if that many people were vaccinated, chances are there would be death or harm from the side effects.  In addition, this vaccine has never been subjected to any long-term testing.  I’m writing this blog to make you aware of some things you can do now to boost your health, not just during flu season.  I do believe in washing your hands.  I do believe in (actually I’m a little anal about) the anti-bacterial hand sanitizers.  There is a natural hand sanitizer named Hand Sanz, available in health food stores.  It kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without chemicals.  It can be used anywhere without water.  I’m not a hand shaker during this season and yes, I use the wipes when I go to the grocery store and wipe my cart.  Again, to me, that’s just common sense.  And no, I won’t be getting the swine flu vaccine and I’m hoping my daughter isn’t forced into one either.  I’ve never gotten any flu vaccine. 

So what can you do or not do?  Donald Miller, MD, says “Seventy percent of doctors do not get a flu shot.”  According to Cochrane Database Syst. “There is also a lack of evidence that young children benefit from flu shots.  A systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo.”  Flu shots contain mercury (a neurotoxin), formaldehyde (known cancer-causing agent), aluminum (may cause Alzheimer’s), and other additives known to be toxic.  Vitamin D deficiency is likely one cause of flu, pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. 

Msn.com states “Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications in modern medicine.  Antibiotics cure disease by killing or injuring bacteria.”   When one type of bacteria flourishes it causes an imbalance.  This imbalance can occur from taking a course of antibiotic medication, which will attack the good bacteria in your intestines as well as the bad.  Yogurt (dairy or soy or rice), has good bacteria.  Many yogurts are supplemented with additional probiotics that are associated with health benefits.  A daily dose of yogurt can help with resulting stomach issues.  Yogurt is also good for those suffering from digestive problems such as irritable bowel, gas and bloating.  Yogurt is a great source of calcium, protein and vitamins.  I use soy yogurt and avoid the presweetened and flavored varieties, which have added sugars and are higher in calories.  You can add fresh fruit or granola to sweeten it up naturally or add to your favorite smoothie.  Probiotics are not tested or regulated by the FDA but are recognized as safe.  Avoid anything with bacillus or enterococci on the label.  Keeping a healthy bacteria environment in your body is a great start in overall health and avoiding colds and flus too. 

Keep up with your vitamin C intake and stay well rested.  I also like Airborne.  I usually take it at night if I’m feeling exhausted and like I’m starting to come down with something.  Eat more raw food.  Enzymes in raw food will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.  Yesterday I woke up with a horrible headache.  I’ve never had a migraine, but this headache was horrible.  It lasted through the day and I started feeling very achy in the evening.  I went to bed and wondered what was happening?  I immediately did some EFT(Emotional Freedom Techniques) and felt better immediately!  Remember, you are in charge of your health. 

Stay healthy. Think healthy.  Eat healthy. 

These statements are informational only.  They are my opinions alone based on what I have been reading   online and in the news.  The information contained here is only meant to keep you informed of your options.  Please make your own decision.

According to Wikipedia, “Non-dairy creamers are liquid or granular substances intended to substitute for milk or cream as an additive to coffee or other beverages.  They do not contain lactose and are therefore not considered dairy products……”.   These so called “dairy substitutes” contain sodium caseinate, corn syrup or other sweeteners and flavorings, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil.  What I do know about these is you don’t have to store them in the refrigerator.  That always scares me.  Like that yellow cheese my Mom used to make grilled cheese when we were kids that was stored on the shelf!

Let’s break down these ingredients and then you can decide for yourself if you’d like to continue using them for your coffee.

On nutrition labels, the ingredients are listed in order, from the greatest amount contained in the product to the least amount.  The principal ingredients in all non-dairy creamers are sugars and vegetable oils.  In powdered “milk”, the first ingredient is corn syrup solids.  This is dried corn syrup, the same ingredient found in soft drinks and processed food that is one of the causes of obesity in children and adults.  This ingredient accumulates in the liver and has a direct effect on our triglycerides, sending them straight up.  A good boost first thing in the morning, no?  NO!

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is next.  This is a trans fat.  Even though the label states “0g of trans fat”.  The labeling laws say if a product has less than .5g of trans fats per serving, the manufacturer can claim there are NO trans fats in it.  Manufacturers make their serving size small enough so they can claim “no trans fats”.  This would benefit the food industry, not your health.  Not only do these chemicals boost your triglycerides, but also increase your chances of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and liver disease from hydrogenated soybean oil, the most highly processed, genetically modified oil on the market.

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, but does not contain lactose.  According to Vegparadise News Bureau, “The sodium caseinate’s purpose is to provide a hint of dairy flavor as well as to create a thickening and whitening for a creamy look and feel.  Sodium caseinate is obtained from fresh and pasteurized skim milk by acid coagulation of the casein, neutralization with sodium hydroxide, and drying in a spray dryer.”  Even though the label reads “non-dairy”, the label also reads, “milk derivative” and states it “contains: milk, soy“.  Sodium caseinate is actually a glue used to put a label on a bottle of beer.  Also the glue that holds together wood furniture.  Your body sees this casein as a foreign protein and you produce histamines that end up as mucus.

Not convinced yet to read more of your food labels?  Dry, non-dairy creamers are also flammable.  The powdered substance becomes dispersed in the air and a small spark can set fire to it.  The rest of the label is hardly pronounceable.  We all know that if we can’t pronounce it, it probably isn’t good for us.  Oh, and the shelf life of these products?  Two years!  Be a label reader.  Be proactive.

Just found this song by Third Eye Blind, the chorus is, “So what’s it going to be?  Are you real to me?  Or are you nondairy creamer?”

Men in the audience, feel free to take a walk for this blog.  I won’t be insulted.  ; )

My male cat recently came down with a urinary tract infection (UTI).  My Vet tells me it’s not so much what he’s been eating, but what he hasn’t been getting in his diet.  Where have I heard that before?  Oh right, I said that.  I have been feeding him too much of the canned, tasty variety of food.  Even though I buy organic and so-called “healthy” for him, it’s not enough.  The Vet says it’s very common for male cats to suddenly come down with this problem after having no issues at all for many years. Some of you may already know this about your cat.  I will continue with his dry food and of course I’ll supplement with wheatgrass juice. Fortunately he loves to sit still while I give him dropper full doses of the sweet, green stuff.  It’s as much about what I am taking out as what I am going to add to his diet.  Unfortunately I waited too long to realize this.  Sometimes we wait until there is a problem before we come up with a solution.

Bladder, urinary tract, yeast (candida), and mild vaginal infections such as BV or vaginitis, are very common in women.  More so than we like to admit.  “Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection of women of childbearing age”, says the CDC.  When I was first diagnosed with BV, I was confused. The doctor told me the cause was from the following: having sex with a new partner, having multiple partners and douching.  I’m pretty sure none of you know me, but you do know that I am one person who tells the truth and I am not embarrassed about any said truths, but NONE of these so-called “causes” fit me.  I kept trying to tell my GYN this and she gave me that look that said she most certainly did not believe me.  How about stress or sugar, can’t these cause this problem?  The CDC states that BV is a “condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.  It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning”.  Although most women live with this condition without any of the annoying symptoms, sometimes there is an outbreak and I am convinced stress can cause it.  I again found myself suffering from some annoying symptoms.  I kept saying this happened to my cat because he was feeling the stress of the household (I am in the process of closing my 20 year business and moving to a different state).  The stress was too much for both of us.  So what now?  I knew I wasn’t going back to that doctor and I certainly wasn’t going to take an antibiotic or any other allopathic treatment when I know these only increase the risk of a yeast infection. 

How to get the good bacteria back and decrease the harmful bacteria?  First I needed to find out some of the real causes of BV, and stop feeling guilty for the judgment that one doctor put upon me.  There’s so much guilt we, as women, put upon ourselves.  Time to stop.  Other causes of BV include stress, refined sugars and menopausal women, however researchers admit there is difficulty in determining exactly what causes BV.  In most cases it is the combination of germs and other factors that cause this problem.   We need to focus on rebalancing the normal vaginal flora.  The imbalance is caused by the bacterium lactobacilli, which is responsible for keeping a healthy and normal balance of microorganisms in your vagina.  E. coli can also reach the vaginal area from wiping the wrong way.  If you’ve reached menopause or are diabetic or your body resistance is low due to certain reasons (STRESS), you’d be at greater risk.  THANK YOU!  Finally some other answers!  This infection can be contracted through sexual intercourse and African-American women with single partners have a higher prevalence of this infection.  Here are some natural treatments I found.  These treatments should be started at the first sign of infection since waiting can increase your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, cervicitis and pregnancy complications.

1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 pint of water.  Douche up to twice a day (this is the one time when douching is considered ok).

Yogurt: Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus are present in yogurt. Look “for live culture” on the label and stay away from the fruited varieties, too much sugar.  Plain yogurt can be taken orally or tampon soaked and inserted vaginally overnight.

Probiotics- Acidophillus capsules can be taken orally or inserted vaginally.  Sepia, a homeopathic treatment, helps with pressure and burning.  Tea tree oil (antimicrobial properties) suppositories, douching, soaked tampons and wiping with a solution of tea tree oil and water can help along with topical and oral applications of vitamin E.

Foods to avoid: foods that yeast organisms thrive on like cheese, soy sauce, sugar, fruits, chocolate, alcohol and refined carbohydrates.

Foods to have on hand: Cranberry juice, goldenseal, garlic (nature’s antibiotic), plain yogurt, water and apple cider vinegar.

You never know who can teach you about your body.  Stay alert.  Do your research.  There’s so much out there to learn. Ask questions and don’t let anyone allow you to not trust your intuition.  I’ve been testing my pH levels every few days.  They are in the low to normal range.  The testing gives me incentive to keep eating right and taking my supplements.  Sometimes our bodies just can’t do it all alone.

 I almost forgot about Louise Hay. She says this about female problems: Denial of the self.  Rejecting feminity.  Rejection of the feminine principle. 

How about tapping to this “choice statement” from Louise…”I rejoice in my femaleness.  I love being a woman.  I love my body.”

These suggestions should not take the place of your veterinary or medical health professional.  It is important to diagnose what type of vaginitis you have before starting any form of treatment.

Are you prone to canker sores? Rejoice, friends – we’ve got some natural solutions for preventing and healing these pesky, painful little things.

What are canker sores?

Canker sores are small surface abrasions found on the inside of the mouth that can occur several times a year. They come and go within a week or so, on average. Canker sores can be brought on by fatigue, stress, fever, menstrual cycles, nutritional deficiencies and sensitivity to certain foods.
They can be as small as a BB, or as large as a quarter, but they usually feature a white, fleshy, sensitive center surrounded by a light red border. In almost all cases, they hurt (or at the very least, are extremely uncomfortable!)

Rid yourself of canker sores the natural way

For anyone who’s familiar with them, you know that once you get a canker sore, the only thing you can do is wait for it to disappear. In the meantime, try these little tricks and tips for minimizing the pain and the chances of a canker coming back*!

A well-balanced, nutritious diet and lifestyle is vital. Canker sore are just another reason not to smoke or chew tobacco. Researchers have found that reducing stress can speed up the healing time drastically – so get to the gym, do some yoga, and take it easy when a canker is present. There’s also evidence that refined sugar, processed foods and in particular citrus fruits can contribute trigger canker sores.

Get more Vitamin B12. Doctors have suggested that another canker sore trigger is vitamin B12 deficiency. Prominent B12 donor foods include clams, salmon, tuna, and other seafood. Breakfast cereals (remember to avoid high sugar!), cheese, and dairy products also contain B12, but not as much as fish. You can always bulk up on B12 through supplements.

Watch what you put in there! Studies by researchers have produced a growing list of things to avoid putting in your mouth to induce or exasperate canker sores. First, avoid eating spicy foods, if you can stand to. Also, try to avoid (or lesson) the amount of iron intake you’re feeding yourself – unless of course it’s been prescribed by your doctor. Do eat more salads, onions, and fresh or raw vegetables, and don’t use toothpaste that contain an ingredient called “sodium lauryl sulfate” – a common sulfide.
Now, how about some remedies? According to researcher Dr. James Bach, author of Prescription for Natural Healing, you can speed up the healing time for canker sores drastically by applying these natural oils directly to the surface of the sore:

• Tea tree oil
• Menthol or clove bud oil
• other topical painkillers that contain ingredients like goldenseal, licorice, myrrh, or lysine

These topical remedies are backed by scientific research, Bach says, and can be found at your local CVS. Apply these oils twice a day to the sore – about every 12 hours, but at the very least, before you go to bed.

Oh, and one more tip to help relieve the pain of canker sores the natural way. Swish your mouth warm salt water regularly – you’ll immediately feel relief and speed up the healing time significantly.
*Doctors, researchers and the medical professionals alike know only one thing about what causes canker sores – that nobody has figured out what causes canker sores. Unfortunately, they’re here to stay, but that doesn’t mean you can’t heal them the natural way!