Healthy Living Articles

« Older Entries

Start Somewhere- Winter 2011 Catalog

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Start Somewhere

One Family’s Journey to Healthier Eating

By Jill Krantz

Fourteen years ago, I was 80 pounds overweight and indulged in the fast food drive-thru several times every week. I never exercised, ate mounds of processed foods, and though the organic and “herby” women I knew were fanatics. Even so, I had begun to dabble in healthy habits by purchasing a wheat mill and a mixer with a dough hook, and I amazed myself at how good whole wheat bread could taste. But I had a long way to go.

Then, about four years ago, the problems of our son woke me up to the need for a higher level of concern about dietary health. We had become a family of seven-Dad, Mom and five great kids-and thought of ourselves as healthier than most in many areas of eating and lifestyle. I had been losing the weight I’d gained in those early years of childbearing and was gradually learning more about nutrition and health-and applying what I learned. Reading books and articles and talking to other mothers, I eventually settled us into a basic, well-rounded diet. But something was different about my nine year-old son.

Health Alarm

I had long been casually aware that my son was noticeably less robust and vibrant than the rest of my children. When a cold or flu hit, he usually go it first, worst, and longest. His appetite was low. He was thin and would often have dark circles under his eyes or red streaks on his face. I began to fear allergies or intolerances, or some horrid autoimmune problem.

So I threw myself into research-this time to a level I had never gone before. I’d always believed vitamins, herbs, and other supplements were too expensive and not a good use of our money. I also just knew that we could never afford to eat a diet that was mostly organic or natural. I figured we were already eating wholesome foods to a good degree, and I cooked most of our meals at home. I rationalized that the people who ate organic food and took supplements must have a lot more money than the average family-certainly more than we did.

One research step let to another. The more I read about chemicals in foods, the more I saw that harmful chemicals lurked in our personal care and cleaning products. Shampoo, soap, lotion, make-up, and toothpaste all had ingredients that could be subduing the natural health of our family! Laundry soap, bathroom cleaner, dish detergent-the bad stuff was all there. Ack!

Then I met a group of other mothers in an online forum and knew I’d found a place that had answers. These were natural-minded moms, many with several children, which meant several years of experience! It’s one thing to read a research article by a scientist, doctor, or nutrionist, but it’s altogether different to learn from a mom who is in the trenches. I asked a million questions and found a few women who helped tremendously. When I presented my son’s list of symptoms and issues, they pointed me in excellent directions.

A Beeyoutiful Discovery

One of the directions led to a family business called Beeyoutiful! Here was a place that sold supplements, essential oils, and more than anything else, gave free advice and encouragement through their website and catalog. I bought a handful of Beeyoutiful’s top sellers, like SuperKids, SuperMom, Tummy Tune Up, Grapefruit Seed Crush, Berrywell, and Miracle Salve. And today, I don’t go anywhere without Miracle Salve and Tummy Tune Up.

Our whole family started taking supplements regularly. In addition, I learned about things like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and eggs, and the importance of organic dairy. I’d always been a broth and soup maker, but I didn’t know that the reason it is good for us is the minerals and gelatin extracted from the bones. We’d also been eating good fats for awhile, but I didn’t know why they were good, either. One of my rules of thumb became “if God made it, we’d best be eating it in its most natural state.”

And oh! I became a label-reading fanatic. I  decided there were a handful of ingredients that absolutely would not be allowed in our eating plan. Some of them I already knew, and some were new to me. But learning about what these chemicals do to our bodies is what pushed me to make a list of “forbidden fruit.” Here are the main offenders:

1.       MSG (monosodium glutamate, and all its secret cousins like yeast extract, autolyzed or hydrolyzed soy protein, spice extract, to name a few)

2.       Nitrates or nitrites,

3.       High fructose corn syrup

4.       Artificial colors,

5.       The massive list of preservatives.

The Present, Accounted For

So where is our family today? Most importantly, that son of mine is a changed boy! Energy, attitude, appetite, immune system, are all 150 percent improved! Now he is often the last to succumb, least affected, and quickest to recover from viruses. The rest of the children are strong, robust, and bright-eyed. Everyone from the teen down to our three year-old (there are eight of us now) are thriving.

My 45 year-old husband is a fit and strong man, head and shoulders above many men his age. He plays hockey, skis, runs, bikes, skateboards, and swims with his kids. He sleeps great and manages stress well-oh, and is thankful for a wife that cooks good food for him and his family, of course.

Mom? Well, I’m mostly grateful to have healthy children. My favorite personal benefit is happy hormones. Beeyoutiful’s SuperMom vitamins, along with Cod Liver Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Vitex all work to keep me balanced. I’ve been able to maintain my size 8-status, all while eating meat, cheese, butter, vegetables, fruit, bread and some sweets. It’s all about quality and portions!

We still get sick sometimes. We had a horrid food-borne bacterial infection this summer, for instance. The worst off, I was down for several days, and I believe that is due to my many prior years of bad diet, multiple antibiotics as a child and young adult, plus the normal wear and tear of a 43 year-old mommy-body. My kids all bounced back, and I’m thankful for the knowledge and products that got us through.

Take a Step in the Right Direction

What can I offer to other families that might just be starting out on their journey to wellness-or are part way there and looking for next steps?

1.       Start with a few key books. I highly recommend Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon (available at Beeyoutiful). Whether or not you use the recipes (although I don’t know why you wouldn’t!), you’ll glean more information about food, diet, and traditional eating than you can get in any other single resource.

2.       Read the articles on Beeyoutiful’s website.

3.       Read the Beeyoutiful catalog (see, you’re already on your way), and learn about the products.

4.       Make some observations. This might sound bold, but look around your neighborhood, church, or school-their eyes, skin, and zest for life. Are the mothers cheerful? Do the dads stand tall with square shoulders? Do the parents look like they can keep up with their kids? Get to know them-and casually ask about their lifestyle.

5.       Read labels. This is non-negotiable. Just because something is labeled “organic” or “natural” does not always mean that it is. I’ve found numerous products at my health food store that did not fit into our family eating regime.

And what does all this really cost? You’ll recall I was skeptical about the practicality of healthy eating, but now I realize there are two important perspectives to keep in mind:

1.       When a food is nutrient dense, your body needs less of it in order to benefit from it. When you eat whole foods as opposed to processed foods, your body will be satisfied sooner. An apple versus a big bag of chips? The apple wins every day for satisfaction and fullness.

2.       You’ll either pay now or pay later. It doesn’t take many trips to the doctor to add up to a week of groceries-and figure in the lost work hours, prescriptions, and over the counter meds. Don’t forget about long-term results! What you put into your body now will harm or benefit your health later.

Don’t worry if your family isn’t perfect. Ours isn’t. We ate some Skittles the other day, and my kids shared a couple of Cokes at a carnival recently. There are also times when the vegetables simply don’t get past the lips of my younger children.

The path to wellness has a different starting point for each family or individual. We all have the same ultimate goal, but what drives us to begin-and at what speed we travel-depends on the needs, means, and passion behind our stories.

You may have a child as I did, with some sort of health complaint or issue. But start somewhere-and go easy. I’ve seen women get all fired up about good eating and railroad their children and husbands into a steady diet of all sorts of foreign and sometimes nasty tasting stuff. Give your journey some time. Pray about it. And absolutely make sure you’re in unity with your spouse. Then you can both encourage your children gently along this new adventure.

Jill Krantz lives in the suburbs near Minneapolis. She’s been married to her best friend, Eric, for 19 years, and they have six children. Other than homeschooling, gardening, and literature, Jill’s great passions are gourmet cooking and healthy living.


Posted in Healthy Living, Winter 2011 Catalog | No Comments »

Health Chocolate- Fall 2010 Catalog

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Healthy Chocolate

And Now For Something Completely Different: Chocolate That Heals

By Greg Webster

The chip in the rim of my Durango-Silverton souvenir coffee mug reminds me each morning of how well-loved that gift is. My 12 year-old daughter brought it to me from her life-changing trip to a natural-healing specialist in Colorado.

Lily struggles with Asperger syndrome, an autism-spectrum disorder whose biochemical cause seems to have evaded most medical practitioners except Dr. Shauna Young. Through a disciplined diet combined with targeted nutritional supplements, Dr. Young’s  ”Spectrum Balance Protocol” has helped Lily develop more age-appropriate behaviors and social skills.* We follow the diet more rigidly at some times than others, but during the “strict” times, it’s a challenge to keep a fun-loving 12 year-old on a regimen that excludes all processed foods and nearly every type of sweet treat enjoyed by most kids her age.

We attribute much of her success in staying on the diet to one particular, delectable and surprising supplement Dr. Young recommends to her patients of all ages.  Lily eats chocolate. That may sound strange to anyone marginally aware of health food do’s and don’ts, but the secret of why it works lies in a new-found version of an ancient food used in a time when chocolate was anything but junk.

It Wasn’t Always So

We think of chocolate as a decadent candy, but in the long history of cocoa consumption that is an anomaly. Thirty centuries ago, Mayans imbibed a spicy raw cocoa concoction of a mainstay of a high nutrition diet. It remained a health meal-in-a-cup for over 2500 years until Europeans decided they preferred mixing cocoa with sugar and milk rather than the cayenne and chili peppers that added an energetic kick to the ancient South American brew.

It became standard procedure to separate cocoa powder from cocoa butter (ditching), add chemicals to moderate the bitter taste, and boil the mixture to blend the added ingredients together. Americans did their part by introducing the first milk chocolate candy bar in the 1880′s. So now we think of chocolate primarily as a “sinful delight”.

There have been murmurings in the past ten years or so about the health benefits of dark chocolate, and the rumors are true-to a point. Cacao, from which cocoa is produced, is the ultimate antioxidant food.  It far outstrips blueberries, spinach, broccoli, red wine, or any other competitor that has been trumpeted as a great source of free-radical fighting antioxidants. And since eliminating free radicals is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness, that means there’s a scientifically sound reason the early South Americans knew it was good for them.

Chocolate’s Dark Secret

Cocoa is likely the healthiest vegetable around. For example, 3 ounces of raw cocoa has the same antioxidant content and other nutrients as more than 6 pounds of tomatoes. It’s nature’s most complex superfood, with over 300 identifiable compounds, including most vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and “bliss chemicals” like dopamine and serotonin.

Cocoa is a natural anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancerous agent. And because an estimated 200 or more degenerative diseases start with inflammation, cocoa can help with a stunning variety of ailments.

Various studies have reported that dark cocoa consumption can provide the following benefits:

- Decrease cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels and stopping bad cholesterol from       oxidizing and sticking to vessel walls.

-  Prevent the formation of blood clots, which otherwise can lead to heart attacks and strokes

-  Increase the flexibility of blood vessels in order to lower blood pressure and decrease stress on the heart.

- Help the body better utilize sugars, curbing diabetes and decreasing complications suffered by diabetics

-  Reduce dental cavities and periodontal disease;

-  Improve memory and slow the onset of dementia

-  Improve skin quality

-  Decrease inflammation associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other inflammation diseases

-  Alleviate depression

-  Help with weight loss by decreasing appetite

It’s the high antioxidant value of cocoa, and the corresponding ability to eliminate free radicals, that accounts for much of the benefit of chocolate. Free radicals are cellular terrorists-atoms with mission electrons that steal them from healthy atoms. This ongoing process is called oxidation and, just as rust eats into metal, free radicals eat into our cells and destroy the DNA. Free radical damage is linked to more than 100 conditions, ranging from heart disease and arthritis to dementia, diabetes, and even cancer.

These days we are bombarded with more free radicals than ever, thanks to environmental toxins in the air and water, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and processed food, to name some of the worst offenders, but foods risk in antioxidants are an effective weapon against this damage. Antioxidants provide electron mates for free radicals and normalize the chemical situation in the body.

The USDA uses the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale to measure the antioxidant capacity of different foods and it recommends a minimum of 3,000 ORAC daily. The average American diet, however, delivers only about 800 ORAC per day.

Studies have shown that the more the ORAC value you take in throughout the day, the healthier you will be. Dr. Richard Cutler, past Director of the Anti-Aging Research Department of the National Institute of Health in Washington, DC notes that “the amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly related to how long and how healthy you will live.”

Cocoa is nature’s highest-scoring ORAC food in its natural form. It delivers a variety of vital flavonoids (antioxidants) in a form that helps the body put them to good use.

To give an example of what just one of several important cocoa flavonoids do: The epicatechin has been shown to boost nitric oxide levels in the blood which, in turn, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing stress on the heart. To highlight its importance, Norman Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says in Chemical and Industry, “We all agree that penicillin and anesthesia are enormously important. But epicatechin could potentially rid of four of the five most common disease in the Western world.” For more health information and testimonies about healthy chocolate, see www.PatentedChocolateResearch.org.

So What’s the Catch?

If the rumors about the health benefits of dark chocolate are true “to a point,” what is that point? It’s this: Most commercially produced dark chocolates are still cooked and then laden with less-than-healthy additives. As with any vegetable, the hotter and longer you cook them, the less nutrition-especially antioxidant value-is left. Roasting and sustained high temperatures (processes most large chocolate companies follow) notably decrease the beneficial amounts of flavonoids in cocoa. Heat-processing cooks out more than 80 percent of its antioxidants and nutrients. On top of that, some combination of wax, fat, fillers, and sugar are usually added. This is even true of most chocolate bars found in health food stores.

Chocolate products with the highest flavonoid content are those that use blanched, unfermented, sun-dried, non-roasted, and cold-pressed cocoa. In fact, cocoa that has undergone these processes boasts of 4 to 8 times the levels of antioxidants and nutrients than cocoa produced with standard processing. And there’s really only one source of truly good-tasting raw chocolate that delivers the full benefit of cocoa.

The MXI Corporation of Nevada created a patented cold-pressing process for making dark chocolate. Not only is the chocolate raw, it is enhanced, not with unhealthy fillers, but with acai berry(the second highest ORAC food on earth), blueberries, grapes, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Then it’s sweetened with low-glycemic raw cane crystals to take an edge off the natural bitterness of coca, and the process delivers chocolate that is naturally caffeine-free. Three one-ounce servings is roughly the nutritional equivalent of 1-1/2 pounds of spinach.

Because Beeyoutiful is committed to researching and delivering only the best available health supplements and because MXI network marketing system is the sole source for this truly healthful and delicious raw chocolate, Beeyoutiful offers the chocolate outside of its normal channels of website and catalog sales. Marketed in several forms under the brand name Xocai (“show-sigh”), it is available through Beeyoutiful’s MXI distributorship. You’ll find details in how to order in the accompanying sidebar.

So, yes, Lily eats chocolate on her diet. Dr. Young advocates the raw Xocai version as a fun and nutritionally supercharged supplement to her autism recovery protocol. But you don’t have to have an autism disorder to benefit. It’s a delicious and healthful addition to any diet.

We’ve made a series of brief videos about our experience. Check out YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=styo8tiaXcc (“Autism Recover Story Part 1″) and www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDjPeynOmio&feature=related (Autism Recovery Story Part 2)

Greg Webster is a free-lance writer, homeschool father of eight, the co-founder of New Vantage Books custom publishing company, and bronze executive with MXI Corporation. But he is best known as husband of Nancy Webster whose health and nutrition articles appear in every issue of Beeyoutiful’s catalog.

Side Bar Ordering Information:

Making Chocolate the Order of the Day

One of the questions often asked, a bit cynically, of network marketers is: “Are you trying to sell me the business or your product?” In the case of Beeyoutiful and Xocai (“show-sigh”) Chocolate, the answer is emphatically: “We are selling the product,” There is a business component, for sure, that some people use to offset the cost of buying and using the chocolate and that some develop into an ongoing home business, but buying Xocai through Beeyoutiful means, first and foremost, buying healthy-really, really healthy-chocolate. While MXI Corporation offers nearly a dozen different formulations of Xocai, the five that Beeyoutiful recommends are:

-          Power Squares

-          Nuggets

-          Xobiotics (with probiotics added to the chocolate)

-          Omega Squares (includes Omega-3 fatty acids)

-          Activ liquid chocolate

Each packaged in amounts that provide the recommended intake for one person for one month. To find out about pricing and ordering, call Beeyoutiful’s customer service at 1-800-556-0967. [For product and ordering information, go to www.BeeyoutifulChocolate.com]


Posted in Children's Health, Fall 2010 Catalog, Healthy Living, Immune System, Intestinal Health, Men's Health, Women's Health | No Comments »

Pre-Pregnancy Preparation- Fall 2010 Catalog

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Pre-Pregnancy Preparation

For Mom’s to Be

By Mary Ewing

When I married seven years ago, I was almost 26, and my husband and I knew we didn’t want to wait to have children. Although many women have children after thirty, we both wanted a large family and weren’t sure how long our “child-bearing years” would go on. Even so, we were slightly surprised when just six weeks after the wedding we found ourselves expecting our first child. Excitement filled our house! To add to our own joy, this would be the first grandchild for both his parents and mine.

At this time, I was a practicing registered nurse (I have since retired to be a mom). Although I did not work in obstetrics, I have always been fascinated with the study.  Yet despite the fact that I had scored a perfect 100 ranking among my peers that year in the OB/GYN nationals competencies. I understood little about the importance of preparing to be a mom. I knew I needed to take a prenatal vitamin once the pink line appeared on the pregnancy test. I knew the importance of Folic Acid. I knew I needed to generally take care of myself. But I did nothing to really prepare for pregnancy.

My pre-pregnancy diet consisted largely of fast food, meals from a box, and sodas. I had done nothing to eliminate my chronic gut problems, build nutritional storehouses, or make sure my body was in shape for the miraculous event. Due to work hours during pregnancy, my entire day’s nutrition consisted of an orange for breakfast, half a sub sandwich for lunch , and half for dinner (and when I say sub, I mean a foot-long white bread sandwich with nothing but processed cold cuts, American cheese and jalapeno peppers.) I washed that all down with the largest cherry limeade I could buy, because it had to last my entire shift-a healthier choice, I figured since it did not have caffeine. I often went an entire week without a real meat, fresh vegetable, and whole grains.

My bouts with morning sickness-to the point of throwing up-lasted from early in the pregnancy until three days after my baby was born. Along with my second pregnancy, came nine months of migraine headaches and then my son’s chronic health issues. I finally decided there had to be a better way to do pregnancy! The challenges have leg me to some fascinating ingredients that make for a healthier momma and, therefore, a healthier baby.

The 2-Way Gift of Health

Our health is a gift, not just from the Creator, but also from our parents. The health of our parents when they brought us into the world plays a large role in determining what our level of health will be. Likewise, your health plays a major role in your children’s health.

People generally assume that most health issues depend on the genes we pass on-that they determine what makes us  more or less vulnerable to various diseases and health conditions. Typically, we do not make the connection that we directly pass on to our children a reflection of our own health. As a result, our children often suffer from the same digestive, immune, and chronic health issues that we do-not just because of genes but also because of how we care for ourselves. It should not be a surprise that your child is colicky if you have had problems with your digestion. So before you think about having a baby, you should first rebuild and restore your own health. Not only will you be passing on to them a head start in health, but the habits you develop will benefit them throughout life.

Getting Your Gift in Shape

The place to start building your health is with your diet-your nutritional lifestyle. Nutrients are the building blocks of cells, and it is vital to take in nutrients that build healthy cells. Diets full of healthy fats, grass-fed and organic proteins, fermented foods, properly prepared grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables are vital. While there are several very good diet suggestions out there, I recommend Diet for Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers (http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/311-diet-for-pregnant-and-nursing-mothers.html) , published by the Weston A. Price Foundation. It offers great guidance for nourishing your body and preparing the inner stores necessary for pregnancy.

While most people recognize the need for protein, iron, and vitamins from fresh fruit and vegetables, it is only recently becoming known that healthy fats are needed as well. A British publication noted that for a healthy reproductive systems, a woman needs 25 to 30 percent body fat, and the American recommendation for women of child-bearing years is 21 to 33 percent. Healthy fats include coconut oil, whole milk, extra virgin olive oil, grass fed butter, avocados, and grass-fed meats (with healthy portions of the fat included). A great primer in the study of fats is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon (found on page 14).

Just as important as what you put in your body, is what you don’t put in. Fats to avoid are shortening, margarine, vegetable oils like corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil and the like. Other no-no’s include artificial sweeteners, white sugar, white flour, MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, caffeine, and soft drinks (even cherry limeades!). Not only are they empty calories, they are often toxic to the body.

Another crucial part of your lifestyle evaluation is your level of physical activity. At any time in life, exercise keeps the body feeling well, the joints moving, aches and pains dispelled, and there is an overall vitality. To “get in shape” for pregnancy, it’s important to incorporate into daily life activities and exercises that increase stamina, flexibility, and cardio function. If you’re wary of exercise because of pain, I recommend you read Pain Free (see page 14). I’ve followed its guidelines for almost a year now and have found incredible relief from aches and pains, while increasing my flexibility and balance.

When you exercise, it’s important that you not burn too much fat. High impact aerobics and long distance running often burn more than recommended amount of body fat for a healthy pregnancy. The key here is to research the regimen you will be participating in and maintain a level that’s right for you.

Our Food Doesn’t Always Cut It

Ideally, you would get all your nutrients from food, but that is just not possible these days with our nutritionally-depleted food supplies, busy lifestyles, and other deficiencies. That’s where the wonderful resources of Beeyoutiful are invaluable if you’re preparing for one of life’s greatest joys-and hardest tasks.

Both parents should take a multivitamin derived from whole sources, easily absorbed, and one that works within the body to help build and restore. SuperMom and SuperDad are excellent multivitamins which also feature “bonus” nutrients such as spiralina and cholorella. Bear in mind, that dad contributes on the front end to the baby’s health, so he needs to take his vitamins to build his system as well.

In addition to the multivitamin, Folic Acid is a must. A sufficient level of Folic Acid in both parents decreases the rate of several genetic problems including spina bifida and Down Syndrome. Although SuperMom and SuperDad offers 400 mcg of Folic Acid, most midwives and health practitioners advise 800 mcg per day for those anticipating pregnancy. For more on the benefits of Folic Acid in pre-natal care, check out Beeyoutiful’s Fall 2009 article “Pre-natal Peace of Mind” (available in the online archives at http://www.beeyoutiful.com/pre-natal-peace-of-mind).

To make sure your body can use the foods and supplements you’re giving it, you’ll need to do all you can to keep your digestive system working is best. Even if you are blessed with an iron-clad stomach, you have likely taken antibiotics sometime in your life or have been exposed to toxins that could wreak havoc on digestive flora. I’ve outlined below two key supplements to help build a strong digestive tract.

1.       Tummy Tuneup, taken daily, rebuilds good intestinal flora which will pass to the baby growing inside of you. It is also protecting against harmful bacteria. And a big plus I wish I had known during my first stomach-churning pregnancy: Daily use of probiotics can help decrease nausea while pregnant.

2.       Digestive Enzymes are crucial because enzymes are the tools your body uses to extract nutrients from food. Most people are deficient and unable to use well what their food offers. Without sufficient enzymes, many people experience fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, and various stomach complaints. Eliminating these problems before pregnancy will help you feel better during pregnancy. And it will help maximize the “building blocks” or nutrients available to your child.

Cod Liver Oil, One of my new personal favorites, I wish I’d taken it prior to all my pregnancies, not just the current one. Cod Liver Oil provides the EPA and DHA required for proper brain development. I suggest using Green Pasture’s Blue Ice Royal-Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend because it also provides Omega 3′s and good amounts of Vitamins A, D, and K. These three vitamins work together to help build strong bones, maintain the cardiovascular system, keep skin clear and healthy, balance the clotting in your blood, reduce the chance of diabetes, strengthen the immune system, and a myriad of other great things. Taking these vitamins in the form of Fermented Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil helps you receive the greatest benefit. Since these are fat soluble vitamins, it is also crucial to take them with a meal containing a moderate amount of healthy fats.

Red Raspberry Leaves. This herb is invaluable to women of all ages, but specifically for pre-pregnancy, Red Raspberry Leaves are known to increase fertility in both men and women, prevent miscarriage and hemorrhage, and decrease morning sickness. Many midwives agree that Red Raspberry Leaves are safe to take throughout your pregnancy, but some advise against use during the first trimester, so (as always!) check with your preferred health care provider before continuing any supplement during your pregnancy.

A Matter of Timing

The plans I’ve shared here should be started six months to a year prior to pregnancy if at all possible. Certainly, if you are experiencing specific health concerns such as thyroid issues, extreme fatigue, chronic sinus problems, et al, it would be best to get control of them immediately-whether or not pregnancy seems to be in your future. Either by diet modification or through adding supplements or working with a naturopath: the more you work to restore your health now, the less work it will require to restore it in the future-and you’ll reduce the chances of passing on these problems to your children.

Whether your first or your tenth, pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in life! Every baby brings a wealth of expectations, joys, and new experiences. So as you contemplate bringing a life into this world, I hope you can learn a little from my bad choices and the subsequent better ones. For me, the most rewarding part of all has been my youngest child, who is by far healthier than my older two. We are so looking forward to our fourth addition in December and seeing firsthand how our hard work has paid off!

Mary Ewing is a part-time employee for Beeyoutiful as well as wife, mom and aspiring homesteader. She stays at home with her three children and enjoys exploring life with her brood as they cook, clean, garden, and play. Her passions are traditional cooking, essential oils, gardening, learning about raising livestock, and traditional art forms such as sewing, crocheting, knitting and smocking!


Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fall 2010 Catalog, Healthy Living, Prenatal and Postnatal Care, Women's Health | No Comments »

A Magnificent Solution for Colon Health- Fall 2010 Catalog

Friday, November 19th, 2010

A Magnificent Solution for Colon Health

By Nancy Webster

I don’t get as much reading done these days as I used to. Andeven though I love to read, I don’t mind the change in lifestyle.  Magnesium Citrate has come between me and my reading. Along with Aloe Vera, it came into my life through a colon therapist a while back, when my innards were in crisis. Now I wish we’d known each other a long time ago. But if you’re still keeping a small library in your bathroom, maybe I can help you move on to better places for reading.

A History of Colon Abuse

My story goes back fifty years to Mama’s kitchen, where my digestive system was assaulted by regular courses of white flour cakes and cookies after lunch and supper. To help the inevitable problem that resulted, Mama kept books beside the potty. It took so long for my tummy to do its things, I think I learned to read there.

In those early days, my only “supplement” was penicillin for chronic ear infections and later, long stretches of tetracycline for teenage skin. These, plus cookies and Fritos, continued to assure me of throne room study time. Then, laxatives and fiver supplements got me semi-comfortably through late night trips to Dunkin Donuts and vending machines during college.

Finally, in our early homeschooling days, the children and I began baking golden loaves of fresh-ground, whole wheat bread. That reduced my time in the reading room but we didn’t yet know about pre-soaking or fermenting grains for better digestibility. The benefits backfired after awhile, giving me gas and bloating.

A visit to a naturopath shifted me into my “raw phase.” Along with 50-pound bags of carrots for juicing, I bought organic coffee-but not to drink. Much to my coffee-loving husband’s dismay, I used it for enemas! But at last my mid-section stayed flat and comfy.

The naturopath taught me the importance of keeping my bowels clean. Removing stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue rejuvenates the ummue tissues in the intestines so beneficial bacteria can take hold.

Love Thine Enemas

Enemas have been used as medicine for centuries but went out of bogue with the invention of easy-to-swallow laxatives. Now, alternative health providers are re-popularizing them as a treatment for headaches, backaches, fatigue, bad breath, body odor, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhea*, sciatic pain—oh, and constipation-all related to toxic build up in the colon.

If you don’t have a few easy moments in the bathroom at least once-and preferably two or three times-a day (after meals), your colon may benefit from a good washing. Enema kits are sold for $10 to $300 in drugstores and online, where you can find all sorts of “how to” information. Avoid the boxed, ready-to-go enemas, as they contain salts, which trigger elimination by irritating your bowels rather than stimulating their natural action.

A few months after starting regular enemas, I became pregnant with our eighth child. Since I had previously experienced the flashing colorful auras of migraines during early months of pregnancy, the naturopath suggested I do an enema at the onset of symptoms. He theorized that migraines are a sign of the body having trouble detoxing, and his idea worked for me-the symptoms stopped immediately!

Once the bowels have been cleansed with an enema using either coffee or simply warm water, periodically repopulate the bowel with good bacteria with a retention enea. Dissolve plain yogurt or about a teaspoon or two of probiotic supplement like Beeyoutiful’s Tummy Tune Up (open a couple of capsules) in warm water and hold the enema as long as posbbile to help the good bacteria settle in.

Enemas were a welcome relief to a lifelong problem for me. But because I used them as a crutch more than a tool, they started another problem that was just as bad: I became enema dependent. Too late, I learned an enema should be taken after the body has tone its thing on its own.

After years of daily enemas, they stopped working for me. I thought I was going to explode! In desparaion, I sought out a colon hydrotherapist** who told me to take magnesium, Aloe Vera, and probiotics. A few colonics and a week of supplements later, I was a new woman, on my way to better gut health. To rebuild the gut after overuse of enemas, easting well, oral probiotics like Beeyoutiful’s Tummy Tune Up, and digestive enzymes like those available from Beeyoutiful under the name Disgestive Enzyme and Yeast Assassin Lite are needed.

Supplemental Balance

I knew Aloe Vera helped lubricate the intestines and that probiotics filled them with a good bacteria, but the importance of magnesium was new to me.

About half of the magnesium in our bodies is combined with calcium and phosphorus in our bones while the other half helps cell functioning in the body tissue and organs. A crucial mineral for overall health, magnesium plays a major role in muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, immune system functioning, and maintenance of blood sugar level. Good sources of dietary magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, some legumes, nuts and seeds, whole unrefined grains, and-get this-dark chocolate, especially raw chocolate.

A deficiency in magnesium is hard to detect from a blood sample, because only one percent of our body’s magnesium supply is found in blood. However, a deficiency is likely in most of us due to depleted, processed foods and chronic stress of modern life.

When stressed, the body puts stress hormones, including magnesium and calcium team, into the bloodstream. Calcium excites nerves while magnesium calms them. Calcium makes muscles contract but magnesium is needed for muscles to relax. Calcium helps wounds clot but magnesium keeps blood flowing freely enough to prevent dangerious clots. It’s a blancing act between the two that can get of kilter easily.

Todays’ diets are low in magnesium and , what’s worse is that unhealthy guts cannot absorb it well. Plus, to prevent osteoporosis, extra calcium is added to many supplements and foods. Yet we can’t even absorb calcium properly without a balanced portion of magnesium.

So, most of us are getting inadequate magnesium plus too much calcium. This imbalance has been linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and ultimately, to heart disease.

A variety of other problems also, have been linked to magnesium deficiency: emotional stress, phobic anxiety, depression, panic attacks, irritability, hyperactivity, and over-sensitivity to loud noises. As we age, we get bone spurs and bunions (calcium deposits-which magnesium helps dissolve), insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, and …. Constipation. Maybe the reason isn’t just that we’re “getting older,” but that we need more magnesium!

Magnesium deficiency was my problem. Within a few days of starting the supplement, I had immediate relief from wakeful nights I had thought were from my changing hormones. I also was free from the jumpy legs that wouldn’t let me relax and from irrational panic that hit me when driving over bridges.

Best of all, I finally “work”-easily and completely! No reading material or (regular) enema kits required! Magnesium relaxes muscles in the intestines, establishing a smoother rhythm of peristalsis (waves of muscle action which move the stool out of the body). It also attracts water to the colon to help soften stools.

The recommended usage per day is about 300 mg/day for women over 20 (roughly the same if lactating) and about 350mg/day if pregnant. Males 19-30 should take 400mg/day, increasing to 420mg/day after age 30.

In cases of depletion like mine, it may be necessary to take extra until things get stabilized. Your bowels will let you know what’s right. You don’t want diarrhea, which will result if you take too much. And be sure to drink a full glass of water when you take a magnesium supplement.

Bear in mind, though, that just because the label reads Magnesium on the drugstore brand, I have not found anything but magnesium oxide at chain drugstores, and that form is not especially bioavailable and will irritate your bowels. All oral magnesium supplements must be combined with another substance for expedient delivery, and Beeyoutiful’s Magnesium Citrate offers an excellent delivery system.

Magnesium supplements work best, of course, in the context of better eating. The bone broths, healthy fats, cod liver oil, and lacto-fermented, probiotic rich foods explained in the info-cookbook Nourishing Traditions should accompany your gut healing program.*

Try some occasional cleansings from enemas plus regular Magnesium Citrate supplementation and those of you who have suffered as I used to do might begin doing more of your reading on the front porch, in bed, or on the beach!

Important: Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys. If your kidneys do not function normally, as your doctor before supplementing with magnesium.

Although diarrhea may seem like the opposite of constipation, it can be caused by a blockage, around which still-liquid feces leak uncontrollably. This condition is called encopresis. We took one of our children to a pediatric gastroenterologist repeatedly to treat this condition, but ultimately went away thanks to regular enemas allowing the colon to regain its natural tone and start working on its own.

*For serious bowel problems, a colon hydroptherapist administers colonics using 40 to 80 quarts of water—compared to only two quarts for a typical home enema. This high volume is administered in a sequence that should be done only by a trained professional.

**Notice I’m not advocating increased fiber intake. In Fiber Menace, Konstantin Monastyrsky details how high-fiber diets produce large stools which stretch the intestinal tract beyond its normal range-eventually resulting in intestinal damage-and a drastic upset of the natural bacterial flora of the gut. You can read more about this politically incorrect approach to digestive health at www.gutsense.org.

Nancy Webster is a freelance writer and homeschool mother of eight. She now does most of her nutritional and health research online in the family room instead of the bathroom library.


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Fall 2010 Catalog, Healthy Living, Immune System, Intestinal Health, Men's Health, Prenatal and Postnatal Care, Women's Health | No Comments »

Rooting Out Dental Problems – Summer 2010 Catalog

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Nancy Webster

Part 1 of this 2-part series (“The Tooth of the Matter”) appeared in the Winter 2010

Beeyoutiful Catalog and emphasized the importance of nutrition in dental health.

“Your old filling cracked, and new decay is under it,” the dentist informed me matter-of-factly. “I have time to fix it right now.”

Five minutes later, with numbing shot in effect, he casually drilled out an aging silver amalgam filling from the back molar which had been bothering me for awhile. Over the sound of the drill, I heard him tell the hygienist, “It’s very close to the pulp. If this doesn’t work, she’ll need a root canal.”

A few weeks later, my tooth still hurt, and it was slowly getting worse. By then, my research gene had kicked into high gear. I knew Weston A. Price, the dentist whose educational foundation teaches the dietary principles of nutrient-dense and properly-prepared foods, had lost a son to a root canal gone bad.

Dr. Price’s information led me to other dental experts who similarly warned about the dangers of root canals. All concluded that the only safe way to handle a dead tooth is removal. Apparently, there is no way to sterilize all side chambers of the three miles of tubules inside a tooth. Antibiotics can’t do it. Bleach can’t do it. Even lasers can’t assure adequate cleansing. In one of Dr. Prices’ experiments, he implanted into 100 rabbits the root canal fragments from a person who had suffered a heart attack, and within a few weeks, every rabbit also experienced cardiac arrest!

Modern DNA research offers additional evidence against this common dental procedure by demonstrating bacterial contamination in 100% of the tested samples of extracted root canals. Bacteria that remain after a root canal mutate once circulation through the tooth (by removal of the pulp) is cut off, and the resulting strain is many times more toxic than otherwise. These bacteria can migrate into gum tissue and from there into the rest of the body, causing autoimmune or life-threatening degenerative diseases, even decades after a root canal is performed.

Pulling for a Better Solution

My smile finally looked decent after two stints with braces, so I was not anxious to introduce a gap by having a tooth pulled. But I didn’t want to have long-term health problems, either.

Hoping for a prettier option, I called several endodontists (root canal specialists) to find out how they sterilized the tooth after removing the dead pulp. They all told me I was misled by an old theory and that thousands of root canals are performed safely every day (60 million per year is the current count). I wanted to believe them, but I didn’t feel peace about it. Meanwhile, my tooth was turning dark.

While many dentists advertise their work as “mercury-free,” their emphasis on dental cosmetics made me worry their worldview was not as radical as mine—especially when a few calls confirmed that they recommend root canals. That’s when I stumbled upon www.drwolfe.com/links.html, a collection of websites for holistic dental associations and member practitioners. On this score, I also wished we lived in California again rather than Tennessee, since the Golden State seems to have holistic dentists in every city. Our closest one, Dr. Ada Frazier, is an hour and half away in Alabama, but my long-term well-being and her services were worth the drive.

Dr. Frazier was trained by Dr. Hal Huggins, a long-time outspoken opponent of mercury amalgams and root canals and author of a newly published article titled “Root Canal Dangers: DNA Studies Confirm Dr. Weston Price’s Century-Old Findings.” You can read it online at www.WestonAPrice.org.

Even though “any dentist” can pull a tooth, by going to Dr. Frazier, I was assured of not only avoiding pressure to have a root canal, but I was also confident the tooth extraction would include an important, if non-traditional, procedure called a cavitation. Cavitation involves grinding off the periodontal ligament which holds the tooth in its socket. Although most dentists and endodontists are taught to leave the ligament in place after an extraction, the remnant tissue provides an incubator for hostile bacteria. This bacteria can produce the same damage to the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems as those from a root canal. Dr. Huggins compares omitting this procedure to “delivering a baby and leaving the placenta in the uterus.”

After the deed was done, Dr. Frazier instructed me to swish gently with peroxide and saltwater and to supplement with vitamin C to prevent infection. Fortunately, the hole does not show when I smile, but if the gap were obvious, instead of a tooth implant—which also contains harmful metals—I would consider getting a bridge made from biocompatible materials.

The More, the Mercurier

Neither my visits to the holistic dentist nor my education about the benefits of going to one had yet run their course. I had a few other leaky fillings with decay underneath. Although this news worried our bank account, it excited me, because now I had an excuse to switch out a few of those “silver” (mercury-based) fillings.

A wall in Dr. Frazier’s office displays a poster delineating the body-wide negative effects of mercury—the substance delivered to dental offices, packaged as “hazardous material” and then daily put into thousands of trusting patients’ mouths. Filling material is amalgamized (mixed) either in a combination of 50% mercury and 35% silver plus a bit of tin and copper or as a “copper amalgam” of 66% mercury and 33% copper.

Copper amalgams are highly unstable, releasing fifty times more mercury into the body than even the older combination. Hardly a coincidence, when copper amalgams were first introduced in 1975, the incidence of Lou Gehrig’s Disease and multiple sclerosis jumped dramatically the first year and has grown exponentially since.

Friction from chewing and brushing and heat from hot liquids and foods cause these mercury-based fillings to release harmful vapors, which spread throughout the body via the respiratory system, accumulating mostly in the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. There they destroy good bacteria and encourage Candida growth.

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology provides a disturbing YouTube video showing the vapors emitted by these fillings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-T7oiA&feature=related.

Scientists report degenerative changes in the brain within a few days after exposure to mercury vapors. Severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, depression, hair loss, memory loss, and even coma can be caused by mercury toxicity. A fascinating bit of history illustrates the point. In the 1800s, hat makers working in poorly ventilated shops breathed in fumes from a mercury solution used to turn fur into felt and became known for their mental and emotional instability. That’s where the saying “mad as a hatter” originated.

Mercury binds to sulfur-containing enzymes, suffocating cells and causing chronic allergic and immune reactions. Kidney and lung damage shows up within months of exposure.

Then there is the phenomenon of “dental galvanism.” When two or more dissimilar metals are used to restore or replace missing teeth, they produce an electric current. This electrification causes the rate of mercury corrosion to increase 10 to 20 times. Many people—including those with metal fillings—worry about the mercury content of nutrient-rich ocean fish, but to put this in perspective: Every day, their fillings give off up to nine times the mercury they might ingest from eating fish!

Detach and De-Tox

Dr. Frazier explained to me the safety protocol for amalgam removal as she and her assistant donned gas masks, protective eyewear, and hair caps. The highest mercury content fillings go first, and when several fillings need to be replaced, removal should take place over several visits so as not to overwhelm the body’s detoxing system.

A special rubber “dam” was placed in my mouth to prevent particles from going down my throat during the procedure. I also wore protective eyewear and was cautioned to breath only through the oxygen mask over my nose. A venting tube much like a clothes dryer hose was drawn close to my mouth while air ionizers whirred nearby. The hygenist maintained a continuous stream of cool water to lessen the vapor-releasing heat of drilling friction, while she held a small vacuum right at the tooth site.

After the procedure, Dr. Frazier encouraged me to drink lots of water, to take extra vitamin C, and to do toxin-removing “oil pulling”—swishing sesame, sunflower, or coconut oil in the mouth for 15 minutes and spitting it out. Dr. Frazier and her assistant, who encounter mercury daily, de-tox themselves routinely, including spending time in a far-infrared sauna. This is a far cry from the casual way the first dentist removed my old filling. No wonder infertility and other health problems are worse for dental hygenists!

If you suspect symptoms of heavy metal toxicity or even after a cleaning or any dental work, you can do a lot of chelation (pronounced “kee-lay-shun”) on your own. Chelation uses natural substances to attract heavy metal particles and pull them out of the body. Beeyoutiful offers an array of excellent supplements that can help:

• Pure Chlorella

• Odorless Garlic

• Selenium Secure

• Rosehip C and Gentle C

In the process, be sure to drink lots of pure water and keep your bowels empty, because a majority of the toxins are eliminated in the bathroom.

Following a nutrient-dense, properly prepared diet as described in the Nourishing Traditions cookbook and taking healthy supplements will help prevent problems in the first place, as we discussed in part 1 of this series. If you still have health issues, though, the idea of removing fillings can be emotionally and financially daunting. To help reduce the financial pain, you might consider saving up to have one filling done at a time (it’s healthier this way, too). And put yourself on a chelation regime.

If you ask most traditional dentists about root canal and mercury concerns, they will scowl and say something about contrarian “quacks.” Taking action, though, is important because the vapor cloud from mercury fillings has no silver lining.

Nancy Webster is a freelance writer and homeschool mother of eight. After enduring multiple tooth extractions, two sets of braces, and a dozen fillings through the years, she is a highly motivated researcher on alternative dental practices. Nancy is also the founder and facilitator of the Southern Middle Tennessee chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bone and Joint Health, Healthy Living, Summer 2010 Catalog | No Comments »

The Fantastic Five – Summer 2010 Catalog

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

The Fantastic Five

Beeyoutiful’s Super Heroes

by Marissa Greentree

If Beeyoutiful were a movie, there would be five featured players who would get rave reviews from me. They’re all stars of my medicine cabinet, and I’d like you to know what makes them so special.

SuperMom

SuperMom was the very first Beeyoutiful product I had the pleasure of meeting. I introduced myself as a single mom of a one year-old, and the two of us became fast friends. SuperMom and I have met every morning at breakfast for months and our relationship has been a genuine blessing.

My life before SuperMom was plagued with every-other-day migraines due to the insurmountable stress of my world. In the middle of a divorce from an abusive husband and hiding with my little one fearing for our safety, I was also jobless for nearly six months and on every form of welfare imaginable. Isolation and a lack of trustworthy friendships added to my increasing anxiety.

Lack of energy immobilized and debilitated me, an especially acute problem since daily survival required exceptional amounts of energy. Being a single mom to an infant was no picnic. Sleepless nights due to teething or illness, doctor appointments, learning to feed a child with food sensitivities, discipline, and meeting my son’s emotional needs drained my emotions and my body.

I was desperate for relief. I’d taken other supplements in the past, but nothing had really helped. My migraine medication was becoming a live-in nuisance instead of a distant acquaintance. I wanted the meds to move out and a real life to move back in.

That’s when SuperMom showed up—just in time. Now she is a regular daily benefactor of increased energy, decreased migraines and overall happiness in my home. Migraine meds visit only when extreme stress or mounting anxiety necessitates a short-term boost. SuperMom helped me get my life back! My divorce is now final and my friend-pool is growing. I’m still a single mom but now I have the energy to be, well, a super mom! Any minor headaches I continue to have are combated with my next Beeyoutiful favorite.

Tension Tamer

A bottle in my cabinet and a bottle in my purse…check! I don’t go anywhere without Tension Tamer. This tiny roll-on stick of essential oils has been with me through thick and thin over the last couple of months.

Whenever I feel a headache coming on or feel my neck muscles tightening due stress, I whip out Tension Tamer and let the aroma settle me back into relaxation. The cooling effect on my neck, shoulders, temples and behind my ears is truly wonderful. Supplemented with a few deep breaths, Tension Tamer helps my entire body slow down so I can think clearly and allow my body to heal itself.

Tension Tamer has gone with me into important meetings and helped me keep my cool. It’s been by my side during confrontation and assisted me in remaining calm. It’s given my body just enough “tension taming” to allow my mind to clear before bed so I have a rejuvenating and restful night’s sleep.

What’s more, I’ve been thrilled at how little I have to use to get the results I want. Tension Tamer isn’t expensive at all when I take into account how long one small bottle lasts. And unlike some treatments, the smell doesn’t make me sick, because there are no added fragrances which I’m allergic to. I can use it as much as I need to without worrying if I’m going to add to my headache or help it.

Whether I’m at home or out-and-about, I know I can count on Tension Tamer to help relieve my headaches and muscle tightness in a pinch. I never leave home without it!

Berry Well

The first time I tried Berry Well, I was having an allergic reaction to a feather down comforter. Within minutes after gulping down two tablespoons, my allergy attack stopped! I was in shock. I didn’t have to grab Claritin or an inhaler or eye drops. I knew from that moment on, my cabinet would never again be without Berry Well.

Since that time, I’ve used Berry Well to help fight colds, drainage, runny noses and coughs by giving my immune system the boost it was begging for. And I don’t have any adverse side effects with Berry Well like I would with over-the-counter allergy medications. Normally, cold and allergy meds knock me out or make me hyper, drain my body of energy and leave me feeling worse than before. Berry Well helps me almost instantly and I find I can manage my normal daily activities.

Laveshmint Toner

I love starting my day with Laveshmint Hydrating Toner. When I get out of the shower and feel the mist of this cool, refreshing spray, I can face the day with confidence.

My skin is so sensitive that most products (I’ve tried them all!) make my skin break out, but Laveshmint Hydrating Toner actually makes my skin feel refreshed with no irritation. It’s great to find a product that works with my skin instead of against it.

The scent is amazing as well. It’s just strong enough to provide a hint of lavender but soft enough not to be overwhelming. What a great addition to my daily routine!

Lavender Essential Oil

Essential oils are a new addition to my life and I’m in love! Why did I not know about essential oils before now? I now use them for many things—cleaning, fighting insects, aches, stress, as a sleep-aid and for relaxation. The aroma freshens my home, calms me and my son and goes a long ways towards helping my body take care of itself.

Essential oils in general can be used in a remarkable variety of ways but Lavender Essential Oil is, so far, my favorite. What a diverse oil! I’ve loved its scent and have used it for years but I never knew it could be used for more than just the smell.

I was amazed and thrilled to discover it helps with headaches, sunburns and high blood pressure. I was taken off my high blood pressure medication due to, I believe, a great combination of the Beeyoutiful products I’d been taking. I much prefer the scent and safety of Lavender Essential Oil to battle bugs than any poisonous sprays. It’s also a wonderful oil to add to my wet candle wax in order to infuse my home with the thrilling aroma of lavender.

These five Beeyoutiful stars are fantastic. And unlike some things in movies, you really should try them at home!

Marissa Greentree is a freelance writer who contributes regularly to Beeyoutiful catalogs. She’s mom to a 19 month-old boy and, a survivor of domestic violence, she now advocates for others in similar circumstances. Her hobbies include singing, song-writing, interior decorating, scrapbooking and card-making.


Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fantastic Five, Healthy Living, Summer 2010 Catalog | No Comments »

Spice Up Your Recipes, Perk Up Your Health – Summer 2010 Catalog

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Spice Up Your Recipes, Perk Up Your Health

The Two Faces of Rosemary

by Mary Ewing

I once made a horrible false accusation. When I was fourteen, I blamed my migraine headaches on an innocent herb. At a resort I visited in California with my family, sweet-scented Rosemary plants grew everywhere and hotel chefs seasoned many house specialties with the tantalizing flavor. While there, I experienced the first migraine headache of my life and accused Rosemary of causing it. For fifteen years, I held a grudge-until I learned the delectable truth.

True Love from False Hate

At a church small group dinner one night, I was enthralled with one particular potluck dish. I raved to the young lady who had made it that I could eat her meal every day and never tire of it. She winked as she told me her secret ingredient was Rosemary-and I nearly melted onto the floor, fearing the onset of a migraine. When no headache attacked, I absolved Rosemary of my misconception and welcomed the spice back into my life!

Once I opened my mind to the truth about Rosemary, I not only looked up every culinary use I could find, but I also started reading about the plant itself and the various ways to use Rosemary in day to day life-especially Rosemary Essential Oil. The first night I discovered the oil, I stayed up four hours past my bedtime because I just could not stop reading. I was fascinated at the vast benefits attributed to this divine-tasting herb.

Now there’s nothing much more comforting to my tummy than potatoes au gratin with Rosemary tucked between the layers of potatoes and cheese. Actually, Rosemary in just about any stew or stock is such a delightful earthy addition, that I will not turn it down. And thanks to Beeyoutiful, there is now another wonderful form through which to indulge in the splendors of Rosemary. Rosemary Essential Oil not only captures the cozy, warm feelings that I get when eating my favorite potatoes, it also harnesses the power of the versatile Rosemary plant, putting it in an easy-to-use form. Let me tell you why it’s a must for all households.

How Does It Work?

The Rosemary plant has many different components that combine to produce its basic anti-inflammatory and tonic functions. It strengthens tissues in the body to help them perform normally, and it offers antiseptic and stimulant properties.

A powerful antioxidant, Rosmarinic acid is one of the primary components in the oil. Antioxidants scour your body, finding free radicals (molecules in the body that have lost an important electron). These free radicals are highly unstable and must find a molecular victim from which to “steal” an electron. Retrieving the electron damages the healthy cells in the body but antioxidants bind with free radicals, neutralizing them and eliminating the threat they pose to your healthy cells. The presence of Rosmarinic acid has been said to decrease the risk of cancer, slow the affects of aging, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Another key component in Rosemary is diosmetin. Diosmetin is flavone, also an antioxidant. It is known to help strengthen capillaries as well as other parts of the cardiovascular system and has been reported to increase circulation and possibly increase low blood pressure. Diosmetin seems to target the head and blood vessels that lead to the head. As a result, it is recommended for helping to increase circulation in the brain and surrounding areas. This can have the effect of enhancing memory, decreasing depression, elevating moods, and reducing headaches.

Rosmaricine is the analgesic part of the Rosemary plant. From sore muscles to throbbing headaches to sprains, this powerful ingredient may bring quick relief and, coupled with the increased circulation, it can help in the healing of injuries.

How Do I Use Rosemary?

My research about Rosemary suggests that it can be used for just about everything from antibacterial agent to sore muscle analgesic to headache-reliever to respiratory health-improver to anxiety-reducer to digestive aid. When I received my first order of my new favorite oil, I used it for a horrible sinus infection coupled with lung congestion. I had read that the anti-inflammatory properties can help open inflamed nasal passages and decrease congestion. Also, the antiseptic properties can help the immune system fight off the offending virus or bacteria. So I pulled out my bottle and started mixing (this used to scare my husband, but now he likes the results and no longer trembles at another one of my concoctions).

First, I got my oil-mixing bowl (the rule here is: always use glass, never plastic). I use a small Pyrex bowl that I found at the thrift store but any small mason jar, glass or ceramic bowl, or similar container will work. I prefer a designated container for mixing, in order to avoid accidentally consuming the full strength oils if I were to confuse the containers.

Next, I decided on my recipe and gathered my oils. For a respiratory formula, I used Rosemary Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Clary Sage Essential Oil, Eucalyptus and Lemon Essential Oils. I used 10 to 15 drops of each in the bowl. I mixed well to combine all the oils. Then I transferred this mixture into a dark glass jar and labeled it accordingly. It smelled heavenly and I was able to breathe very soon after first inhaling it.

I used my mixture in three ways. First, I diffused it in the room at twenty minute intervals throughout the day. Second, I mixed several drops of it with about a teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil and rubbed it on my feet, chest, and shoulders. Third, I added about ten drops to a warm bath (this not only helped me breathe, but it also helped relax my sore muscles).

The results? You may be surprised to have me tell you I was disappointed. But it was only because my expectations were wrong. I didn’t understand the wonderful way this Rosemary treatment was meant to work.

I had some fantastic immediate relief from symptoms but, overall, I felt as sick as ever. I was hoping it would knock the opponent I was fighting from here to last Sunday, but it didn’t. Or so I thought. Slowly, I realized what was happening to me. Typically, my colds last a week to ten days with a sore throat at the onset progressing to a runny nose and then a battle of congestion. This time, I had the sore throat and the faucet nose and felt horrible. I was terribly discouraged-until about 36 hours after my Rosemary-based treatment when I woke up completely and utterly well. No congestion, no sore throat, no overall misery. I had been sick for less than three days, rather than the week it usually takes to recover. I was amazed and by the end of the day, I was outside mixing heavy bags of manure, peat moss, and vermiculite for our garden without a single sneeze, sniffle, or sign of a cold. I was convinced!

More Ways to Keep Rosemary Busy

I was even more in love with my new bottle of Rosemary Essential Oil than ever! I could not wait to use it on other ailments. I combined several drops with Jojoba Oil and rubbed it into my shoulders after gardening. The massage oil not only felt great, but it smelled good, too.

In addition to the pain relief for the sore shoulders and the increased blood flow to the brain, it is also said to help relax the user by reducing anxiety and eliminating insomnia. It’s a great before-bedtime massage oil. My youngest, Maggie, loves the smell as much as I do. She begs me to get the bottle out just so she can smell it. I massage her feet and back with it when she is restless. (Note: Never use the oil full strength on your skin, and always test for sensitivity, especially on a child.)

For those of you that suffer from headaches, be sure and keep your bottle close by your side. Dabbing a few drops on your temples can help eliminate the pain immediately. Remember that the oil should never go near your eyes and you should always dilute it with a carrier oil prior to use.

On a dull day, whether due to a cloudy day or a blue temperament, combine several drops of Rosemary Essential Oil with Lemon Essential Oil for a pick me up! You can combine it with a carrier oil and rub it on your wrists, shoulders, temples, and behind your ears. The pleasant aroma doubles as a delightful perfume. Or add it to your infuser for a household mood makeover.

Having Beeyoutiful’s Rosemary Essential Oil has made it so convenient to use in my daily life that I, literally, do not leave home without it. I use an old cloth glasses case inherited from a great grandmother to carry the Rosemary bottle in my purse, ready to pull out if I or any of my friends has need. It also pairs well with many of the other oils that Beeyouitful carries. Obviously, I no longer have any angst about using this wonderful herb. I appreciate the beauty of both faces of my friend, Rosemary.


Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Essential Oil, Healthy Living, Summer 2010 Catalog | No Comments »

Cranberry Power Cleanse – Summer 2010 Catalog

Monday, September 6th, 2010


Cranberry Power Cleanse

By Christy Stouffer

If you’ve experienced it before, you know you don’t want to experience it again! A UTI (urinary tract infection) often comes on suddenly and brings with it a set of miserable symptoms: a burning sensation during urination, lower back and abdominal pain, and frequent urination that yields small amounts. When bacteria in the urinary tract take up residence, an infection is often right around the corner.

One woman in five will develop a UTI in her lifetime and nearly 20% of those will become chronic sufferers. UTIs occur in men, although less frequently than in women. If you suffer from UTIs, you know the anguish they produce. These infections disrupt life and cost in visits to the doctor and pharmacy.

Traditional medicine uses antibiotics to treat these urinary tract infections. While they are generally effective, there are concerns with the use of them. Antibiotics can have side effects (yeast overgrowth, upset digestive tract, and allergic reactions) and can also promote a resistance to bacteria if used frequently. Chronic UTI sufferers are often put on low doses of antibiotics for prevention, but this course of treatment puts a person’s system at risk for the side effects listed above. Eventually, the bacteria will become resistant to the antibiotic and a new drug will be needed.

UTIs are most commonly caused by E. coli. Although E. coli is a needed bacteria that resides in our large intestines and serves as an aid in digestion, when E. coli bacteria enter the urinary tract, they attach themselves to the lining of the bladder. After taking up residence in the bladder, they multiply, colonize, and develop into an infection. If left untreated the bacteria travel to the kidneys and result in more infection.

A healthy immune system can often fight off the bacteria before an infection occurs. You can strengthen your body by getting proper rest, drinking plenty of water, boosting your intake of Vitamin C (creating an acidic environment that discourages the growth of bacteria), and consuming low amounts of processed foods and sugar. But sometimes our immune systems are compromised or the strength and speed at which the E. coli builds is no match for our natural defenses.

When a UTI is present, cranberries offer an aggressive and successful option for treatment. Cranberries contain a powerful and effective substance that prevents E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract lining and the lining of the bladder. Often, however, a person will self-medicate through the use of cranberry juice cocktail. This route is generally unsuccessful because cranberry juice cocktail contains approximately 27% of actual cranberry juice. The remaining part is sweetened water. Drinking large amounts of cranberry juice cocktail contains too many calories, too much sugar and proves to be counterproductive. In addition, straight cranberry juice (with no sweeteners) is almost unpalatable because of the tartness. Most patients simply can’t get it down!

Recent research has isolated the bacteria-fighting compound in cranberries and found a way to put it in capsule form. In a dehydrated and capsule form, a dose is equivalent to 12 to 16 6-ounces glasses of cranberry juice. And it’s much easier to get past the taste buds!

Another remarkable ingredient used to treat UTIs is Uva Ursi-also known as bearberry. The leaves from this small shrub contain properties that act as an antimicrobial astringent, and disinfectant. As an astringent, Uva Ursi tightens membranes in the urinary tract and relieves pressure and irritation from inflammation. This brings relief from pain and discomfort to the UTI sufferer. A caution for you pregnant or nursing women, while cranberry is perfectly safe to take throughout pregnancy and nursing the Uva Ursi is a diuretic herb. While some sources recommend avoiding the supplement during this time, we personally believe that as long as you are actively staying hydrated it should not be a concern, but as always this is something that should be personally research and check with your health care provider first.

Additionally, grape seed extracts brings a powerful force to the scene of the infection. Grape seed is an antioxidant so it promotes healing. It also alleviates inflammation and is an excellent component to add to the treatment of UTIs. The Cranberry Power Cleanse is an impressive combination of natural ingredients that work together to eradicate the E. coli bacteria in the urinary system.

Beeyoutiful’s Cranberry Power Cleanse is indeed a powerhouse against the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. If you or others in your family have had a UTI or suffer chronically, you ought to consider stocking your medicinal shelves with Beeyoutiful’s Cranberry Power Cleanse.


Tags: , ,
Posted in Cleansing, Healthy Living, Immune System, Summer 2010 Catalog, Women's Health | No Comments »

What You C is What You Get – Winter 2010 Catalog

Monday, August 16th, 2010

What You C Is What You Get

Christy Stouffer

Perhaps the most well-known vitamin is the all-important C, also known as ascorbate acid. But for all of its popularity, it may be one of the least-understood vitamins. We all know we need it, but why? And what happens if we don’t have it?

Vitamin C builds tissue and collagen. Playing the role of protector to our bodies, it heals wounds, while strengthening bones, cartilage, and teeth. The mighty C mobilizes iron, stimulates the immune system, and battles free radicals. This powerhouse helps prevent colds and the flu, and some researchers believe it even blocks the growth of cancer cells.

Vitamin C is recommended in high doses for people who suffer from acne, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, autism, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Low levels of Vitamin C have been linked to a variety of ailments including gall bladder disease, poor healing of wounds, bleeding gums, frequent colds, easy bruising, anemia, gingivitis, respiratory infections, high blood pressure, and buildup of plaque in arteries. I wonder how many folks could stay out of the doctor’s office simply by boosting their intake of Vitamin C!

The Wash-away Vitamin

Because Vitamin C is water-soluble-meaning our bodies can’t store it-we need to monitor our diets to ensure that this life-giving vitamin is part of our daily lives. And since our bodies don’t synthesize Vitamin C, we need to ingest it regularly.
Fortunately, Vitamin C is plentiful and available in many different foods, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always assure we get the Vitamin C we need. What factors contribute to a deficiency of Vitamin C? One obvious answer is that many people simply don’t eat the right foods or take C supplements. But a too-often overlooked cause is the inappropriate preparation and storage of foods that contain Vitamin C.

About 25% of Vitamin C is lost when foods are blanched, boiled, or cooked. Freezing also contributes to the loss of potency in Vitamin C-rich foods. When fruits and vegetables are canned and then reheated, only about one-third of the original Vitamin C content remains. The best way to obtain Vitamin C dietarily is through eating raw foods.

The following foods, in particular, ought to be regulars on your grocery list because they are excellent sources of Vitamin C:

Broccoli

Bell peppers

Papaya

Oranges

Kale

Cauliflower

Strawberries

Raspberries

Asparagus

Celery

Kiwi

Mustard and turnip     greens

Brussels sprouts

Spinach

Cantaloupe

Grapefruit

Zucchini

To prevent the loss of Vitamin C in food preparation, follow these techniques:

  • Serve fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible.
  • Steam, boil, or simmer foods in a small amount of water.
  • Cook potatoes in their skins (be sure to wash the dirt off the outside of the potato first!).
  • Keep cut, raw fruits and vegetables stored in an airtight container and refrigerate (but not in water-if raw foods are stored in water, the inherent Vitamin C will dissolve).

C for Yourself

I try to provide my family with ample amounts of Vitamin C through a good diet. But in reality, we sometimes come up short. Busy schedules, food likes and dislikes, food availability, and other factors mean that I, as my family’s nutritionist, must make sure our bodies are supplied with Vitamin C through supplements.

While there are some fine supplements on the market, I especially like the convenient Beeyoutiful options:

  • Gentle C comes in capsule form. For family members who can’t (or dislike) swallowing pills, the contents of the capsules can be dissolved in drinks or sprinkled on foods. Gentle C has an added benefit of calcium which, when combined with the Vitamin C, provides an easily digestible supplement commonly known as buffered C. The added benefit of citrus bioflavonoids supports blood flow.
  • Rosehip C delivers the vitamin as ascorbic acid through tablets. It offers an extra boost with acerola powder and rose hips. Rose hips-provided by the berry-like fruit derived from rose bushes after the bloom has dried-provide a higher C content than citrus fruits. Acerola powder contains high levels of C as well as magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The addition of acerola gives Rosehip C more power to assist with illnesses and may prevent colds and flu.

“Vitamin” is derived from the Latin word vita, meaning “life.” Vitamins sustain life, and none is more essential than Vitamin C. One way or another, it’s up to you to make sure you give your body all the C it needs.


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Healthy Living, Immune System, Winter 2010 Catalog | No Comments »

A Breathtaking Tale – Spring 2010 Catalog

Monday, June 14th, 2010

A Breathtaking Tale

Abolish Bad Breath, Not Your Smile

Sharon Tallent

As I was working one day, I noticed my customers backing away as I talked about a product in which they appeared interested. As I would move forward a bit to make a point, they would move further away. It was an odd situation. After a while, I started noticing “backing up” behavior with other people in other places as well.

I commented on this to a close friend who apparently knew exactly what was causing the problem: my bad breath! Ouch! I was so embarrassed I wanted to hide. After that, I didn’t want to smile or open my mouth, much less talk to anyone and expose my “dragon breath.” What’s worse, I didn’t know what to do about it because I was already brushing my teeth at least twice daily in addition to using mouth rinse.

Bad Breath from the Inside Out

I started looking into causes of, and solutions for, my quandary. I discovered that digestive problems, as well as allergies that cause sinus drainage, can produce halitosis (i.e. bad breath). Also, bacteria in the mouth and small particles of food stuck between teeth contribute to this embarrassing problem. This prompted me to try to improve my digestion by eating healthier, avoiding pasteurized milk and cheeses (to help avoid milk allergies) and using digestive aids like Tummy Tuneup. Plus, I began using more products like breath mints, sprays, toothpastes and mouth rinses to help kill bacteria. All of this helped but the battle for pleasant breath seemed unending for me.

Throughout my several years of studying what to do for fresh breath and a healthy mouth, I found out that most major store brands of toothpaste include one or more ingredients which are not good for your teeth or your health-like fluoride. Many clinical studies link fluoride to cancer, fluorosis (which weakens bones and teeth), damage to kidneys and liver, weakening of the immune system, thyroid problems and even lower IQ levels.

This motivated me to check into natural toothpastes. I’ve used several brands over the last few years and have been particularly pleased with Tom’s of Maine, Kiss My Face, and TheraNeem because they contain xylitol. Xylitol provides benefits such as helping to keep teeth strong, reduce plaque and prevent cavities. Recent studies have even shown a 70% to 80% reduction of cavities in children whose mothers consume xylitol while nursing.

I have primarily used TheraNeem toothpaste this past year because it has been the most effective in eliminating bad breath, mouth sores and sensitive gums. And I get even better results when I use TheraNeem mouth rinse every day.

The History of Neem

Indian manuscripts dating back several hundred years tell of many medicinal and agricultural benefits of the neem tree-including healing of skin diseases, some internal remedies and acting as an effective insecticide. The US Department of Agriculture began studying neem in the early 1970s for its insect repellent and pesticide qualities. More recent studies in the United States document the effectiveness of neem as an anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent for fighting acne, head lice, scabies, rashes, cold sores and mouth infections.

The evergreen neem tree (adazirachta indica) is native to southern India and can also be found in other areas of the tropics. Neem oil is pressed from seeds of the neem tree and has a rather strong odor, something like a combination of garlic and peanuts. The seeds, leaves and bark of the neem tree are now widely used medicinally, agriculturally and in personal care products like shampoos, skin creams and toothpaste. To learn more about neem, you might want to check out www.discoverneem.com.

Smiling Freely Again

I usually feel comfortable smiling and getting up close to people these days. Besides xylitol and neem, TheraNeem products feature essential oils of peppermint and spearmint for even more breath-freshening. The mouth rinse includes aloe vera to aid in healing. Most of the ingredients in the toothpastes and mouth rinse are certified organic and all are natural. TheraNeem toothpastes are sweetened with sorbitol, xylitol and stevia and licorice, which help with flavor. Because of the bitter flavor of neem oil, it may take a little time to get used to the taste. Knowing how beneficial these products are, coupled with my need to eliminate bad breath, I was encouraged to stick with them long enough so that now I have come to truly enjoy the flavors.

Everyone wants to have good-smelling breath, feel free to smile and get close to people when having conversations. I know I do. When I smile, I feel happy. When I smile at someone else, they smile back and seem to feel better. Smiles brighten up everyone’s countenance.

In addition, my mouth and teeth are healthier now than they have been for a long time. This is especially important to me since my mother had to have dentures by the time she was 50, and another close family member lost his teeth by the time he was 35. Lack of sufficient care played a major role in both cases, but I want to keep my teeth for the rest of my life. It’s part of my plan to live happily ever after.


Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Healthy Living, Skin & Hair, Spring 2010 Catalog | No Comments »

« Older Entries