Flu Shot

Got flu shot today at Safeway Pharmacy Covington, administered by Michele Elder. Cost: $30.

Spirulina explained

(NaturalNews) One of the oldest life forms on Earth, spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that helped produce the oxygen in our atmosphere billions of years ago so that other life forms could appear. What Is Spirulina? The original 'superfood,' spirulina is so nutrient dense that you could survive on it and water alone.

Hundreds of studies have confirmed spirulina's powerhouse status. It has 60-70% complete protein, meaning it has all 8 essential amino acids and 10 non-essential ones that support good health. That's more protein than beef, chicken or soybeans. According to Balch, it contains concentrations of nutrients "unlike any other single grain, herb, or plant." Some of its other valuable components include: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which is found only in blue-green algae and has been shown to increase survival rates in mice with liver cancer (Balch).

Spirulina is highly digestible, protects the immune system, aids in mineral absorption and reduces cholesterol. Originally from warm alkaline lakes in Africa and Central and South America, spirulina was consumed by Aborigines of those places (including the Aztecs) for centuries, verifying its safety and healthful effects on the body.

Why take it?

In his book Eat to Live, Dr. Joel Fuhrman talks about the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods to maintain healthy weight, avoid or correct chronic and degenerative disease and maximize longevity. Spirulina is perhaps the most nutritious food source known to humans and has been used all over the world for centuries for both its nutritional density and its medicinal qualities. Nourish yourself with the ultimate superfood. Spirulina is a source of vitality and life energy. Consumers of spirulina usually notice an increase in energy and overall health. It supplies nutrients needed to cleanse and heal while providing protection from all kinds of cancers as well as multiple viruses including influenza, herpes, mumps, measles and AIDS.

It's common knowledge that we should all eat fish for the omega fatty acid content. Where do fish get their high omega content? Blue-green algae like spirulina. Omegas are essential in fighting heart disease, reducing arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression as well as lowering bad cholesterol. The high content of vitamin B12 makes it excellent for the development of healthy nerve tissue and the metabolism of every cell in the body. This means spirulina helps with nerve damage and diseases such as fibromyalgia. Spirulina is also known for its high content of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, an essential nutrient needed for healthy immunity, teeth, bones, mucous membranes, skin and eyes. Spirulina also contains all the other B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. It has various antioxidants, phytonutrients and carotenoids. It protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys. It balances pH to reduce inflammation, the root of much disease. It balances the immune system, including calming an overactive one, which is significant because overactive (or inflamed) immune systems are responsible for autoimmune diseases. These usually have their root in poor nutrition and digestion, which spirulina also helps correct.

Additional Benefits

Its superfood status means spirulina has many more benefits. It increases antioxidant protection, fights free radicals, fights the aging process, curbs appetite and promotes weight loss, supports health cardiovascular function, improves the digestion process and gastrointestinal health, creates beneficial flora in the digestive tract and makes the body produce more red and white blood cells which kill germs and viruses.

Spirulina's antimicrobial effects help control the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. The chlorophyl means it is a blood cleanser. It also oxygenates the blood. Polysaccharides improve the functionality of bone marrow, thymus, and spleen cells. Discover the superfood power of spirulina.

Spirulina is good for the skin too: it improves age spots, eczema, acne and rashes. It's good for the eyes as well, helping with glaucoma, cataracts and poor vision.

Studies have shown that spirulina improves allergies and respiratory function and enhances exercise performance.

Balch says taking spirulina between meals is beneficial for hypoglycemics because the high protein content stabilizes blood sugar levels.

How to get it in your diet

Spirulina is named for the spiraling shape it makes as it grows. It grows best in warm, fresh water lakes, but is also found in saltwater and natural springs. It is what gives bodies of water their dark green color. It is harvested and turned into a thick paste, dried, and packed into powder or flakes to be turned into tablets or capsules. Spirulina - Packed with protein, B12 and iron.

It is highly digestible and does not have the tough cell wall that others algae have. Most find the taste unpleasant. You can get flakes to add to food or smoothies, but most prefer to take it as a supplement, in pill form.

Other things you should know

Spirulina is one of the main go-to foods for protection from harmful radiation. It protects the organs and helps detoxify the radiation out of the body. Discover the radiation protective benefits of Spirulina and Chlorella. It was used to treat the children of Chernobyl.

Spirulina has no side effects; it is very safe. It does contain iodine, to which some may be allergic. If you haven't detoxed in awhile, add it to your regime slowly or you may experience the ill effects of detoxing.

Some of it is wild harvested and tested for safety and purity while other is farmed to control environmental contaminates. Research the brand you choose or ask a qualified supplement consultant at a health food store.

It is inexpensive, easy to find and it stores well. It is a great addition to your diet (as well as your disaster kit) so stock up!

The Healing Powers of Massage

Massage has long been used to relieve stress, but check out the new ways researchers say massage can make you feel better:

• Tummy Massage—Kneading your stomach will soothe away upset stomachs. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the smooth muscle that lines your intestines and colon, which eliminates excess gas. 

• Hand Massage—Knead the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger for five minutes. This acupressure point governs moods, and massaging it can help you calm down during anxious situations. 

• Back Massage—An easy back massage decreases stress and lifts your levels of delta brain waves, which helps you relax and sleep. 

• Nose Massage—Rubbing your nose increases levels of lymphocytes, which are immune system cells. It also activates sinus pressure points to help relieve nasal congestion.

• Toe Massage—The bottoms of your feet and toes have 7,000 nerve endings and the energy medians in your toes are linked to the brain. Gently rub the sole of each foot for five minutes and then press on the tips of each toe to awaken the brain and boost your ability to focus.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Check out these health benefits of a common kitchen staple, apple cider vinegar.

• If you’re feeling exhausted after a workout, add a couple of tablespoons of this vinegar to your glass of water. It contains potassium and enzymes, and the amino acids can act as an antidote to the buildup of lactic acid in your system. 
• To whiten your teeth, gargle in the morning with apple cider vinegar—it helps remove stains and whiten your teeth, as well as kills bacteria in your mouth. 
• For an upset stomach, sip a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water. If it’s a bacterial infection, the antibiotics in the vinegar can help. 
• A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can stop hiccups immediately. 
• Before eating foods that you know are going to make you feel sick later, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water and drink it about half an hour before you eat. 
• For leg cramps that wake you up in the night, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a little honey to a glass of warm water. 
• Drinking one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water can help drain your sinuses. 
• When you start feeling a sore throat coming on, gargle ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup warm water every hour—the acidic environment vinegar creates kills most germs.

Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea

If you have only a mild case of sleep apnea then your best bet is behavioural changes rather than any serious medicine or surgery. These changes might include losing weight (rapid weight gain can be an associated symptom of sleep apnea) or sleeping in a different position such as on one side.

Natural cures for sleep apnea 
Here are some other natural treatments that could work if you have only a mild case of sleep apnea.

• Minimize your use of alcohol, antihistamines, or tranquilizers. 
• Make sure you get treatment for allergies and colds or sinus problems. 
• Develop regular sleep habits, and especially make sure you get enough sleep at night.
• Gargle with salt water to shrink your tonsils 
• Try sleeping on your side or sitting up rather than sleeping on your back. 
• Don't smoke or expose yourself to other irritants (such as dust or perfumes). 
• Use an air humidifier by your bed side. 
• Place bricks under the head of your bed to raise it 
• Try eliminating mucus-producing foods (such as dairy and bananas) for two weeks. Then begin eating them again and see if you notice any differences. 

There are also small devices which can be inserted into the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep. These devices help by either bringing the jaw more forward or by keeping the soft tissues up to avoid them collapsing and blocking the airway. These devices do not cure sleep apnea and it likely to get worse if left untreated.