Recently in Health Category

One of my friends asked me if there was a tea that helps with Hangovers and I felt the need to create one for him. For the life of the party, ONO Hangover Tonic is a must have! It tastes great iced too!

Marie: Hi Phuong!  What would you say is your best tea for bloating (not necessarily menstrual)?

TC: Hi Marie! ONO Moroccan mint is a great tea that helps with bloating. Peppermint in this tea is a digestive aid that helps to relieve bloating and indigestion. I created a delicious Strawberry Moroccan Mint Iced Tea recipe here.

Marie: I'm not a huge fan of peppermint. Is there another tea you would suggest?

TC: Of course! Fennel can work wonders to ease both bloating and gas. Just brew a tablespoon or so of ONO Throat Revival, which has a lot of fennel, and drink several cups a day. Fennel tastes like licorice and has anti-gas as well as anti-spasmodic properties. Here are a couple other tips too: Avoid chewing gum if you're prone to bloating - it can cause you to swallow a lot of air. Eliminate all carbonated beverages from your diet. because it exacerbates bloating.

Marie: Thanks for your very thorough answer, Phuong!

My puppy Ginger is blind.  A strange way to start this article, I know, but it's relevant.  I would never trust my puppy with anyone except Russ and Karen at the Zoo Crew in Tulsa, OK.  Once a month, I take Ginger in for her bath and primping. Each visit I love chatting with Russ and Karen.  Recently Russ has been ill and Karen was telling me about an incredible website that she had found during her internet search on Russ' illness.  Karen told me that she discovered Sherry Brescia and her website Great Taste No Pain.  She ordered her books, received direct emails for Sherry and Russ was feeling better! 

Since I trust Karen with my puppy, I certainly trust her advice. I immediately ran home, found Sherry's website and sent her an interview request.  I know you will be as taken with Sherry as we are. It is our pleasure to giveaway a Great Taste No Pain system to 1 lucky Chic Galleria reader!


BA: Sherry, how did you get involved with Holistic Nutrition?

SB: My involvement with Holistic Nutrition was born out of necessity.  I began suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) as a teenager.  By the time I reached my late 20's it was ruining my life--I couldn't go anywhere or do anything without fear of having an "attack."  Daily bouts of cramps, bloating and alternating diarrhea and constipation were my way of life.  And I knew where the public bathroom was in every place I went!

It was frustrating because I ate what most people would consider a healthy diet--very lean meats, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables and no processed foods.  It made no difference.

In 1990 I spent a week in the hospital following a very severe attack which left me weak and unable to keep food in my system.  After a series of uncomfortable tests that ruled out other disorders like Crohn's, cancer, diverticulitis and colitis, I was diagnosed with IBS.

My doctor's advice was to stay away from spicy foods, raw vegetables, nuts and seeds, and to take an anti-spasmodic pill (Donnatol) before every meal.

I didn't want a life sentence of taking medication to create "false health," and not wanting to give up the good tasting, healthy foods I loved, I searched for a better answer.  Eventually I learned about a holistic approach to creating health and healing by reducing acidity in the body through diet--specifically, the correct combining of foods.

The science behind it was sound--avoid eating foods together that are digested with enzymes that are opposites on the pH scale (acid and alkaline) because when you do, the acid and alkaline enzymes neutralize each other.  As a result, digestion is slowed or completely stopped.  When your foods are not digested like they should be, that creates excess acid, pain, bloating, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea--all the typical symptoms that send people running for Tums, Pepto Bismol, Alka Seltzer and the "purple pill."

So I tried it.  And I've been completely symptom-free (and medication-free) since my very first correctly combined meal 17 years ago.   

My own experiences with ill health served as my inspiration to help others, and there are a lot of others to help.  More than 70 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders, and we spend over $50 billion on products (both OTC and prescription drugs) to relieve indigestion and stomach upset.

What resulted was the creation of the Great Taste No Pain health system.  The Great Taste No Pain system is comprised of a 176-page recipe book and a set of straight-forward, easy to read manuals that teach you the principles of correct food combining and the importance of an alkaline pH.

Eating good food combinations and keeping an alkaline pH can help eliminate the symptoms of conditions such as:

    * Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
    * Ulcerative colitis
    * Crohn's disease
    * Acid reflux
    * GERD
    * Hiatal hernia
    * IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
    * Stomach ulcers

You can learn more about Great Taste No Pain and read some of their tremendous client success stories at:

http://www.greattastenopain.com

BA: Having an online business isn't easy, you still have to get visitors to your online store just like you would a real storefront. What are some of your strategies for getting traffic to come your way?

SB: Our website does appear on search engines like Google and Yahoo, but one of the best sources of traffic has been my daily newsletter writing.

I publish a daily (Monday - Friday) health oriented electronic newsletter called "Pain-Free Living" that presently has over 250,000 subscribers worldwide.  Pain-Free Living deals with a variety of health topics, but concentrates primarily on digestive issues.  Many of my newsletters are reprinted (with permission) in various publications and other electronic newsletters.  Subscribers also pass them along to family and friends.  There is nothing like word of mouth to get people excited about and believing in your product.

In addition, I have done many radio and magazine interviews, and also have a large number of professionals (holistic doctors and chiropractors) that refer their patients with digestive issues to our site.

BA: What makes your business unique when compared to others in this category?

SB: We are unique because we have created a healthy eating system that works amazingly well, yet is not full of tasteless, boring foods.  Let's face it--when you talk about healthy eating, most people think of existing on celery and bean sprouts.  That's not the case with Great Taste No Pain.

When I first learned how to eat correctly combined meals 17 years ago, I quickly noticed that the recipes in the books available on the subject were bland or unimaginative.  So I blended my passion for cooking delicious, gourmet-style meals and my knowledge of the principles of food combining and created my own recipes.  

We prove that you can eat for health and still enjoy absolutely fantastic food, and that's what makes us unique.

BA: What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?

SB: I feel a tremendous sense of pride whenever I read a success story from a client that I have helped, but I felt most proud when I was contacted by the father of a 7 year-old boy who feared his son was dying.  The boy suffered from chronic diarrhea and vomiting which completely turned around once he started correctly combining his foods.  Here is his story:

Sherry,

Thank you!

Out of desperation for the health of our son (7 years old) and a willingness to try anything that appeared to be healthy, we ordered your "Great Taste No Pain" program.

About one week later, here's what I can report so far:  He is now a normal kid with a healthy appetite.  Big deal, right?  

This year alone (from Jan 2008) he missed 23 days of school.  His pediatrician kept claiming he had a "flu bug" that was going around that was especially bad this year.

During his worst episode, in which he went 4 days without food and with very little water, we took him to a gastro doctor.  She prescribed Miralax claiming he was constipated.

My wife and I were astonished.  Constipated?  He went through 4 days of pure agony - 27 bouts of diarrhea - 6 bouts of vomiting.  How could he be constipated?

She also later did a scope from both ends and found no disease or entangled intestines - just some acid "burns" in the stomach.  Of course she recommended Prevacid and to stay away from citrus and spicy foods.

Her numerous biopsies did show some allergies.  The allergist found lactose intolerance and cited minor findings of other food allergies.  Our first visit with him seemed promising, but the second visit only got confusing.

With his level of allergies, his severe symptoms could not be explained.  Back to the gastro doctor.  Over time and between the 2 doctors "treating" him, we got prescriptions for Singulair, Xygal, an asthma inhaler, Prevacid and Pentasa.

After these didn't work, they wanted us to up the dosage.  The pharmacist even commented about the excessively high dosage.

My son's symptoms, especially looking back, were terrible.  Never a good eater, never wanting to go to the bathroom, bouts of violent diarrhea and vomiting, bouts of the agony of bloating and constipation, long periods of inactivity, and asthma attacks that always seemed to coincide with his digestive issues, which we noticed, but the doctors quickly dismissed once they ruled out Crohns and Celiac.

During the worst and last of these episodes, I even had the worst thoughts imaginable - that my son can't keep any food in him and the doctors are helpless - can he even survive like that?  I seriously talked with him about the things of God and what he specifically needs to do to prepare for eternity.

My son has been diagnosed with many different things.  Thank God he doesn't have any of these things.  And thank God (and you) for the work you do.

After 3 days of your plan, my son was feeling good and he now eats more than me.  We stopped all the medications.  In just 8 days, he's eating like a horse, he's playing like I've never seen, he's going to the bathroom without being forced into it.

So far, so good.  Our family loves your recipes and we've all taken to the plan.

Just thought you'd like to know - there's a family in Wisconsin who greatly appreciates you...

Dave

 

*******************

Sherry Brescia has spent the majority of her career studying health and the role that diet plays in a person's overall state of wellness.

Much of her 16-year career in the health insurance industry was spent analyzing medical records of prospective policyholders and claim beneficiaries.  She read thousands of case studies of people who consulted doctors for digestive problems, aches and pains or lack of energy, but were never given any treatment besides tests, surgery or medication.

She noticed the patients returned to their doctors repeatedly for the same complaints, but the treatment rarely changed other than a different pill to try.  If any dietary recommendations were given, they were a vague, general "bland diet" or avoidance of foods that seem to cause symptoms.  Almost never did she note a true recovery from symptoms and attainment of great health.

At the same time she herself was a living case study.  Despite eating in a way that most health experts would consider healthy, she suffered daily for years with bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea and constipation.  She also developed migraine headaches and allergies.

After a 7-day hospital stay being drugged with Demerol for excruciating pain, fed by an IV and enduring one painful, embarrassing test after another, she was given the diagnosis of IBS.  She was told to take an anti-spasmodic medication before every meal for the rest of her life, along with avoiding many of her favorite foods and taking more pills for the allergies and migraines.  She was just 28 years old.

A year later, still in pain and outraged at her doctor's lack of knowledge of what to do for her besides writing a prescription for pills to mask her symptoms (while ignoring the cause), she ditched the meds and instead learned how to eat in the way that considers and respects how the human body is designed to digest food (otherwise known as food combining).

As a result, she has been completely symptom-and medication-free for over 17 years.  Stomach problems, allergies and migraines all disappeared instantly after she just became a little more discerning about what foods she ate together.

Sherry realized then that she had a mission.  She was meant to help others attain better health in the most natural way possible--through their diet.

Sherry knew that in order to help as many people as possible, her system had to be one they would stick with--it needed to appeal to the pickiest eaters, be easy to do and allow people to still enjoy as many of their favorites foods as possible.  With her passion for making and eating great food, she blended the science of food combining (originally created by Dr. William Howard Hay in 1911) with gourmet-tasting yet easy to make meals to create the Great Taste No Pain health system.

Everyday, Sherry receives success stories from people worldwide thanking her and claiming she has "saved their lives."

In addition to being an author and gourmet cook, Sherry holds a black belt in Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate, teaches religious education classes and is currently working toward her PhD in holistic nutrition.  She lives in Central New York with her husband, son, daughter and 3 cats.

In order to win the Great Taste No Pain health system, you need to leave a comment on this article.  Do you or a loved one suffer from pain?  Are you interested in trying Sherry's system? We want to know!  Winner will be chosen from the comments on Tuesday, September 15 midnight EST. 

When it comes to making a commitment to being active and helping others do the same, it is definitely best to use a no nonsense straightforward approach. So here is my advice:

• Know your strengths and weaknesses.

• Do activities you know you can handle, don't try to run straight up an expert level trail full out. Do a good warm-up for the first 5 minutes then brisk walking or easy jogging. Once you can recover more quickly between running attempts go a little further the next time or run a little longer.

• Workout with Integrity.

A good philosophy is to always do things the right way, even when no one is going to notice, but you. You have to hold yourself accountable.

• A Good diet really does matter.

Fresh, healthy, home made food really is so much better for you. Remember, you are what you eat.

• Keep a consistent time and place, but be flexible if need be.

Set up a schedule and commit. It is supposed to be fun and productive. You will feel better about everything.

• Approach being healthy as you would a term paper - start with an outline. Even a professional athlete has a hard time making things up as they go. Take the time to set goals and organize a plan of attack before you start just being active.

• Never underestimate the power of momentum and how great you will start feeling about yourself! Physical & Mental go hand in hand. It's phenomenal stress relief.

• The status quo should go by the wayside. We need variety in life. People need to individualize their activities and at the same time not be afraid to push the envelope by doing something they never thought they could. Ride a Unicycle, learn to play frisbee golf, try ice skating, play paintball or laser tag with your kids or take some sports lessons of any kind. We need to try some crazier things that challenge our sensibilities!

• Follow your instincts. The best experiences happen when you do something new because it looks like fun and you think it will be a blast!

What have you done lately that is a little crazy or out of the norm? Have you done something active regularly for the last 21 days or more to make it a habit? How do you feel because of it?

The Lemonade Diet, also known as the Master Cleanse Diet, is a relatively simple program that has gained popularity recently. Several well known celebrities, Beyonce for instance, claim that it helped them lose weight.

Just remember, following the program can pose problems of its own.

There are three major components of the "lemonade" diet including Ease In, The Lemonade Diet, and the Ease-Out. The ingredients necessary must be followed precisely in order for the program to work right.

The first part of the program eases you into the routine and prepares your mind and body. Your stomach will adjust to receiving less food and you will be mentally prepared. The first part consists of 3-days, on the 1st day you can eat fruits and vegetables, removing meat and processed foods from your diet. On the 2nd day you can only drink fruit and vegetable juices, if you do not have a juicing machine create a broth. The third day entails drinking two liters of fresh squeezed orange juice with a tablespoon of maple syrup and water to fill.

The main part referred to as the Lemonade Diet is an intense process that will be challenging. There are three steps that need to occur on a daily basis. The 1st step is about preparing your lemonade for the day. As soon as you wake up go into the kitchen and prepare your "meals."

Here is the Recipe for the Lemonade Diet

You will need to gather 14 tablespoons of hand squeezed lemon juice, three 1-liter reusable bottles, 14 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper, and two liters of water. Place seven tablespoons of the lemon juice into a 1-liter bottle and repeat with a second bottle. Do the same with the maple syrup, add the cayenne pepper and fill it with water. Fill your third bottle full of water as you will need to drink it throughout the day to give your body the illusion you are full.

The second step of the diet entails drinking the lemonade and water throughout the day. When you feel hungry take a swig of the lemon mixture and follow it with several drinks of regular water. You need to drink the entire two liters of lemonade at the end of the day.

The hardest part of the diet is the third step, which is salt water flush. In essence, you drink salt water to induce several bowel movements to cleanse your system. Mix one liter of room temperature water with a teaspoon of sea salt. It is easiest to drink the solution in one gulp, but be sure to stand by the sink as your reflexes may sink in halfway through. After drinking the mixture you can go about your night until a bowel movement occurs - typically within 60 minutes of drinking the salt water. It is important to perform the flush in the evening because you will be on the toilet for a while. You must be near a toilet for several hours after the first movement. When you reach the point where you can go 15 minutes without eliminating, you are safe.

The time frame for which people stay on the lemonade diet depends; some do it for as little as three days while others can go up to two weeks. Whenever going on such a diet always consult with your physician if you have prior medical conditions.

The ease-out steps are an essential process to prepare your body for regular food again. It is critical that you change your eating habits afterwards and it's important to remember that this diet, like all diets, will slow metabolism.

That's right.

You will be losing muscle during this diet and muscle is your metabolic engine. If you started the diet with a 200 horsepower engine, you will finish the lemonade diet with a smaller engine. The longer you stay on the diet, the smaller your engine will get. So don't do this for weight loss. If you choose to go on this diet, do it to flush your colon, not as an attempt to lose fat.

How to ease back into eating real foods:

1. On the first day drink three one liter bottles of orange juice with two tablespoons of maple syrup in each.
2. On the second day drink fruit and vegetable juice or broth.
3. On the third day re-introduce your body to fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. On the fourth day you can eat anything, but be sure to include live products.

If you choose not to follow the ease-out process prepared to become nauseous and possibly sick.

Sleeping is a behavior.  And there is a very important connection between health, happiness and a good night's sleep.   

Certainly some people can crawl into bed and shut their eyes and they are off.  Yet to understand the behavior and preparing for your slumber will assist in you getting optimum sleep.

A considerable amount of information is available about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise.  Yet not enough attention is given to the importance of sleep.

There are huge debates over the amount of sleep that each person requires.  The fact is that the amount of sleep the average adult needs each night varies.

What is most important is to create sleep rituals.  Do this by giving your body signals that it is time to slow down and sleep.  Try to establish your sleep cycle into a regular rhythm and you will feel better. You should go to bed, and wake up, at the same times each day, even on the weekends. This will help regulate your body's inner clock.

If you are not relaxed it may be difficult falling asleep and staying asleep.  So get into the habit of unwinding and calming down before you hit the bed.

Music to unwind before and during bedtime is one of the best relaxation tools. I highly recommend you check out this Sleep CD  There are more soothing gentle music selections available at this website - take a look around.

For an overactive mind with thoughts spinning, worrying, and writing to-do lists.....then try relaxing breathing, meditation, prayers, or a few stretches can help as a sleep aid.

Exercising regularly is important for you overall - however refrain from exercise a few hours before bedtime.  

Avoid heavy meals late in the evening.  Eliminate coffee or alcohol directly before bedtime.

Turn off all electronics - TV, computer, phones at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and well ventilated.  Remove the clock from view.  

Take a hot bath or shower before bed.  Try an aromatherapy bath - it is outstanding and a sure cure.

These suggestions will encourage your relaxation and deepen the quality of your sleep.  Create a soothing atmosphere in your home.  An hour prior to bed - turn on relaxing music, dim the lights, use candles, add aromatherapy touches. This will help balance your mind and body even after you fall asleep.

With a good night's sleep, you will be more alert, fresh, and focused the next day and reap the health benefits overall.          

Good night and sleep well!

Tired of walking around with those extra pounds on your body?


For many women, a slow metabolism is part of the problem when they try to lose weight.

You may have tried many diets, personal trainers, and all kinds of exercise videos. However, with these simple tricks to rocket launch your metabolism you'll finally lose those pounds, feel better and look great.

Frequent, Small Meals

Some people eat 1-2 big meals each day. This can elevate your leptin levels and put your body in starvation mode.

Not good.

Eating every couple hours is a great way to rev your metabolism. Just be sure to eat healthy foods and don't overeat. Eat enough so your stomach feels comfortably full.
 

You've likely heard the buzz; it's a negative buzz, but a buzz nonetheless, about trans fats and how they mess with your health.  Did you know that New York City banned trans-fats from being served in restaurant foods and is giving the businesses a year to comply? I'm sure this has you wondering, what exactly are trans-fats and why are they so bad for us?

Trans fats are normally formed when fluid oils are changed into solid fats by the addition of hydrogen.   This is known as the hydrogenation process.  Restaurants benefit in that trans-fat keeps longer.  It is also commonly used in deep-frying, as it can remain stable in high temperatures.

Why are trans fats harmful?  According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration there is a direct, proven relationship between diets high in trans fat content and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and, therefore, an increased risk of coronary heart disease - a leading cause of death in the US.

The U.S. FDA reminds us that consumers can know if a food contains trans fat by looking at the ingredient list on the food label. If the ingredient list includes the words "shortening," "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" or "hydrogenated vegetable oil," the food contains trans fat. Because ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance, smaller amounts are present when the ingredient is close to the end of the list.

Check out this list of the top ten trans fat foods from webmd.com and get a real education about just what you are eating on a daily basis!

The Top 10 "Trans Fat" Foods:
1. Spreads. Margarine, for example, contains both trans fats and saturated fats, both of which can lead to heart disease. Other non-butter spreads and shortening also contain large amounts of trans fat and saturated fat.

2. Packaged Foods. Favorites such as cake mixes and Bisquick contain generally have several grams of trans fat per serving.

3. Soups. For example, ramen noodles and soup cups contain very high levels of trans fat.

4. Fast Food. Those beloved french fries and other crunchy foods are deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oil.

5. Frozen Food. From frozen pies to pot pies to breaded fish sticks, frozen foods generally contain trans fat. Even if the label says the product is low-fat, it can contain trans fat.

6. Baked Goods. Commercially baked products contain more trans fats than any other foods. Examples include doughnuts, cookies and cakes.

7. Chips and Crackers. That crispy texture comes from shortening. Even reduced fat brands may contain trans fat.

8. Breakfast Food. Cereals and energy bars often contain trans fats, even if the labels claim to be "healthy."

9. Cookies and Candy. Check the labels for the fat content. For example, a chocolate bar probably will contain more trans fat than gummy bears.

10. Toppings and Dips. Flavored coffees, nondairy creamers, whipped toppings, gravy mixes and salad dressings typically contain trans fat.

Knowledge is power and knowing what not to eat is half the battle when we are consciously trying to look out for our health and well being.  Being conscious of which foods contain trans fats can help you to eliminate or decrease your intake.  I love doughnuts, candy and French fries just as much as you do but now when I put those things in my mouth I can't say I'm not aware of what the consequences might be.  Luckily I am a big fan of gummy bears too!

Photo Credit © Nikola Spasenoski | Dreamstime.com

Kevin: I finally decided to quit smoking and was wondering if you had a tea that can help me through the process.

TC: Congrats! We all know that nicotine is bad for you but many people don't realize that the withdrawal symptoms can last from 2-5 weeks as your body is trying to cleanse itself of the toxins and nicotine. The two main withdrawal symptoms are nausea and insomnia. Ginger is a very popular ingredient that is known to help with nausea and it can be found in ONO Stomach Soother. If you add 1/2 tsp of honey and crushed ginger to 2 cups of Stomach Soother, it makes a delicious tonic for nausea. For insomnia I recommend ONO Sleepy Time. Rooibos will help with insomnia and nausea while chamomile will help you relax and unwind.

Kevin: That's great stuff! I recently tried your Throat Revival tea and absolutely love it! It tastes great and my throat feels really good after drinking a cup.

TC: That's because ONO Throat Revival is made mostly from licorice root. Millions of smokers use it to soothe their dry throats since Licorice root improves secretion of the throat mucosa. ONO Throat Revival is also used by singers, public speakers and others who utilize their vocal cords excessively. In addition, licorice root has acquired the name in China of "the Great Detoxifier." It is considered to be one of the primary detoxifying herbs in the Chinese herbal arsenal.

Kevin: WOW! Thank you so much! I'm going to ONO tea and ordering right now!

Amy: I don't feel like I'm losing weight after my workout.

TC: What do you hydrate with after your workout?

Amy: Usually a sports drink.

TC: Well, that is the problem. A 16 oz sports drink has roughly 100 calories. It takes an average person at least 30 minutes on the treadmill to burn that off.

Amy: Wow. What do you recommend instead?

TC: ONO Antioxidant Junkie has no calories and studies show that a cup of tea can burn 17% more fat during a 30 minute workout. You should drink Antioxidant Junkie during your workout. After your workout, I recommend ONO Fountain of Youth. This is a caffeine free green rooibos drink that is packed with antioxidants, and minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc). Rooibos is also a good hydration source, replacing needed electrolytes (sodium and potassium).

Amy: That's awesome! That's like extra calories burning without the extra work. I'm going to http://www.iLoveONO.com and ordering Antioxidant Junkie and Fountain of Youth now! Thank you!