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Saturday, December 26, 2015
Egg Nog Sip and Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 29
New Research Highlights the Importance of Keeping Inflammation in Check
When it comes to living a healthier life, making a plan to tackle chronic inflammation is of the utmost importance. A growing body of research has connected inflammation to a host of serious illnesses, including both heart disease and cancers. For this reason, getting inflammation under control is essential.
Inflammation, when it is short term, is an innate immune system reaction that serves to protect us. According to the medical dictionary, inflammation is, “a protective tissue response to injury or destruction of tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off both the injurious agent and the injured tissues. The classical signs of acute inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function."
The problem with this immune reaction is that when it becomes chronic, and does not subside, many of the body’s systems can experience damage. The more science discovers about chronic inflammation, the more apparent it becomes just how dangerous it is.
New research links inflammation to a higher risk of tumor growth
A new study, recently published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, has linked inflammation to a higher rate of tumor growth and metastasis. According to the study’s lead author, Vijaya L. Iragavarapu-Charyulu:
“Important findings from our research show how pre-existing inflammation may be one of the factors that accelerates metastasis to the inflamed site.”
For their study, researchers introduced breast cancer cells to two groups of rats, one of which had a certain biomarker, known as CHI3L1, altered in their inflamed tissues. Results of the study showed that the rats with less inflammation had a slower tumor growth, and less instances of metastasis, than the control group.
On the results, Iragavarapu-Charyulu stated:
“In this study, we found that CH13L1 was an important inflammatory protein that promoted tumor growth and metastasis, providing the necessary ‘soil’ or the proper environment for the ‘seeds,’ that is the circulating breast tumor cells. We are encouraged by the results of our study and hopeful that it will help us to better develop targeted therapeutics to treat cancer.”
Other research linking inflammation to illness
A 2010 study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found a connection between inflammation and depression. The authors of this study wrote:
“In response to a peripheral infection, innate immune cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that act on the brain to cause sickness behaviour. When activation of the peripheral immune system continues unabated, such as during systemic infections, cancer or autoimmune diseases, the ensuing immune signalling to the brain can lead to an exacerbation of sickness and the development of symptoms of depression in vulnerable individuals.”
The study authors added, “These phenomena might account for the increased prevalence of clinical depression in physically ill people.”
A 2002 study published in the journal Circulation linked inflammation to atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, which is often a precursor to heart disease. The authors wrote:
“Atherosclerosis, formerly considered a bland lipid storage disease, actually involves an ongoing inflammatory response. Recent advances in basic science have established a fundamental role for inflammation in mediating all stages of this disease from initiation through progression and, ultimately, the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis.”
Furthermore, to summarize just a few of the diseases that inflammation may trigger or worsen, the authors of a 2009 study published in the journal Inflammation Research wrote:
“Chronic inflammation is being shown to be increasingly involved in the onset and development of several pathological disturbances such as arteriosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and even cancer.”
On top of these conditions, chronic inflammation may also trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, neuropathy, celiac disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, kidney damage, and more.
How to help prevent — and tackle existing — inflammation
One very important factor that affects the level of inflammation in your body is your diet. If you are eating a great deal of inflammatory foods such as sugar, wheat, and processed foods (which are made with an array of chemicals), it is an important step to cut these foods out.
Instead, fill your plate with whole, nutritious foods, including plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation throughout the body by combating harmful free radicals, and thus reducing your risk of many illnesses.
A particularly important antioxidant group for fighting chronic inflammation is flavonoids. These are found in many fruits and veggies, including (but not at all limited to) berries, bananas, onions, apples, sweet potatoes, quinoa, chili peppers, peaches, tomatoes, turnip greens, cabbage, and citrus fruits.
On flavonoids, the authors of a 2009 study which reviewed the anti-inflammatory properties of these antioxidants wrote, “Recent studies have also shown that some flavonoids are modulators of proinflammatory gene expression, thus leading to the attenuation of the inflammatory response.”
To further explore the subject, the authors of a 2010 study published in the journal Food and Function wrote:
“Over the past few decades, inflammation has been recognized as a major risk factor for various human diseases… Numerous studies have proposed that flavonoids act through a variety mechanisms to prevent and attenuate inflammatory responses and serve as possible cardioprotective, neuroprotective and chemopreventive agents.”
Having a healthy gut is also crucially important to the mitigation of chronic inflammation. The authors of a 2013 study published in the journal ELifewrote:
Just a few foods that are great for creating a healthy bacterial balance in your gut are organic yogurt and kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Make sure that you are eating whole, unprocessed versions of these foods. Along with fruits and veggies, and gut-healthy probiotic foods, it’s important to eat enough fiber, healthy proteins, and healthy fats.
There are also a number of herbs that may help to reduce inflammation, but be sure to check with a health professional you trust before starting a regimen with any herbs — even though they are natural, they are still highly potent. Also, always make sure you obtain a high-quality version of these herbs as many imposters exist on the market.
Other important points to remember are to get enough sleep — at least seven hours per night — and to exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week. It is also crucial to schedule some stress relief into your day. Stress is a significant source of inflammation. It triggers the release of a hormone called cortisol in your body, which leads to elevated inflammation levels. Try yoga, meditation, tai chi, or just a long walk in nature with friends!
One more thing: Certain types of environmental pollutants, including household cleaners, may raise inflammation levels. It’s wise to keep your cleaning products as natural as possible — in many cases, a simple vinegar/water mixture does the trick! Check out these green home-cleaning recipes.
It may seem difficult at first, but it is well worth the effort to make these changes to your life and keep inflammation at bay. It may greatly reduce your risk of a chronic illness down the road.
—The Alternative Daily
Feeling Sick? Try These 5 Immune-Boosting Teas
Did you know that drinking tea can boost your immune system? While not all teas are created equal, some teas may actually help you prevent illness and even fight off infections.
Although your kids are bound to bring home germs from school, you can help keep them safe, and yourself protected, with these five immune-boosting teas.
Green tea
Green tea is high in antioxidants, including polyphenols. Polyphenols are natural immune-boosters that not only help prevent illness, but also help to stop it in its tracks. For instance, one type of polyphenol, a group known as catechins, may help kill the influenza virus. Brew your tea in just-below-boiling water to minimize the bitterness and maximize its benefits.
Matcha green tea has the highest concentration of antioxidants, and can be added to just about anything. Try using raw honey and fresh lemon to add flavor — these additions will also help boost your immune system.
Chamomile tea
Unlike green tea, chamomile tea is not a stimulant. In fact, it is an antioxidant-rich tea that will help you wind down after a busy day. Also, chamomile tea contains compounds that may actually increase production of white blood cells, macrophages and B-lymphocytes, which work to destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Chamomile tea blends often contain other immune-boosting ingredients, including dandelion and licorice, but chamomile is quite effective at warding off illness on its own.
Ginseng tea
Ginseng has been used as a medicinal herb for at least 5,000 years in China. The ancient Chinese believed it could increase your lifespan. Although this claim is not scientifically verified, ginseng may be effective at warding off infections and improving immune function, as it encourages both interferon and white blood cell production.
Ginseng, like green tea, can cause you to have trouble sleeping, so it is best taken in the morning or midday.
Elderberry tea
Elderberry is often found in syrups and gummies, but the best way to get the health benefits of the berry is in the form of a tea. Unlike many berries, you cannot eat elderberries raw. In their raw or unripe form, they can contain a chemical related to cyanide if not treated properly. However, elderberries have been used for centuries to help treat wounds, soothe respiratory illnesses, reduce inflammation in the mucus membranes, and relieve congestion.
Elderberries also contain flavonoid antioxidants, which help prevent damage to your body’s cells.
White sage tea
White sage is an herb found throughout the southwestern United States. It’s often sold in smudge sticks as an incense, but fresh or dried white sage can also be steeped in water as a tea. When used as a tea, it works as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps decrease mucus secretions and sweating as a result of illness. It may help to ease colds and sinus infections, and may also help prevent them.
To prepare this tea, steep the fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Although it needs to steep longer than traditional teas, the health benefits are worth it, especially when you are feeling blue.
Other helpful options:
Although black tea contains fewer antioxidants than green tea, it contains a substance called L-theanine, which breaks down in the liver to prepare gamma-delta T cells to protect in the case of an autoimmune response. Gamma-delta T cells are the blood’s first line of defense against infections. Picrorhiza tea, a little known tea that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine, may also improve your immune system by stimulating production of white blood cells and interferon.
Red raspberry leaves can also be steeped to make an immune-boosting tea that may help to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, sinus infection, or flu. It may help to soothe inflammation, and tonsil and throat irritation. Kombucha tea is used to boost good bacteria in the gut to help support your immune system. It’s sold as a warm or cold tea, but can also be purchased as a natural soda — just make sure no additives have been used in the tea you buy.
Teas have been used as medicinal treatments for centuries. Instead of taking a pill that can make you groggy and leave you feeling terrible, try some of these teas and let us know if they work for you.
What teas do you drink regularly to promote optimal health? What health benefits have you experienced since drinking tea? What didn’t seem to work? Pass on your experiences to fellow readers in the comments below.
—Nicole Manuel
19 Things That Are Great for Your Face
Just as the foods we put into our body have a big impact on our health, so do the products we use on our skin. With that in mind, I encourage you to check out this list of natural and edible items that are great for your face!
Apple cider vinegar
A solution to skin toning you are going to love! — and it couldn’t be simpler. Just mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (organic, raw, and unfiltered is best) with 2–4 cups of distilled water and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Lightly dab this homemade toner across your face and enjoy the fresh feeling. No rinsing required.
Coconut oil
This oil is not only fantastic as a body moisturizer, but it can be used as a facial cleanser as well. Warm it up between your hands and rub it on. Place a very warm, wet washcloth onto your face for approximately 45 seconds and then wipe away excess oil from the skin.
Baking soda
This fridge freshener can serve a greater purpose in your beauty regimen. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda with approximately 1 tablespoon of cool water to form a paste. Smooth this across your face and allow it to sit on the skin for 10–15 minutes. Gently remove with a warm, wet washcloth and pat the skin dry.
Blackberries
Blackberries can be used for a wonderful, hydrating mask for your face. Blend a handful of blackberries and combine them with a 1/4 cup of plain, organic Greek yogurt and a 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture evenly to your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate the skin, along with fat that promotes hydration. Using it couldn’t be simpler. Just soak a cotton ball in a small bowl of milk and apply it gently to your face. Allow the milk to sit on the skin for up to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Avocado
This yummy fruit is good for more than eating. It also makes a wonderful moisturizing mask for your face. Simply mash a ripe avocado with 3 tablespoons of honey and gently smooth it over your face. Allow it to sit on your skin for 15–25 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Bentonite clay
Bentonite clay can be wonderful at detoxifying the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of the clay with 2 tablespoons of organic, plain Greek yogurt and spread it across your face. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal has proven itself to be great for exfoliating the skin. Therefore, it provides a wonderful base for a facial scrub when mixed with honey and water. Just 1 teaspoon of cornmeal, mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey and a few drops of water can make a smooth facial scrub paste. Gently apply it to your face with your fingertips moving in circular motions. Let it sit for approximately 1 minute and then rinse well with warm water.
Egg whites
If you need something that can combat blackheads and acne, then look no further. Mixing the egg white from 1 egg with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey will provide a basic facial mask. First, place a very warm, wet washcloth against your face for a minute to open up your pores. Then use your fingertips to apply the mask — but be sure to avoid your eyes, nose, and mouth. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then remove with a warm, wet washcloth.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have an amazing ability to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Placing two cucumber slices on your eyes and allowing them to rest there for up to 20 minutes can reduce dark circles and puffiness caused by water retention.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are said to be an excellent toner for the skin and can decrease puffiness. You can make a face mask by crushing 3 teaspoons of fennel seeds and adding them to 8 tablespoons of boiling water. Let the concoction sit until cool then strain, reserving the infused water. Add 3 tablespoons each of organic honey, oatmeal, and organic, plain Greek yogurt to the infused water and mix until well blended. Apply to the face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains ascorbic acid that can work as an exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells from the face. Applying it couldn’t be simpler. Just gently rub the forehead, cheeks and chin with the inside of a piece of grapefruit peel. Leave it on for up to 15 minutes and then remove using a warm, wet washcloth.
Grapes (green or red)
Grapes can help combat acne, improve the elasticity of the skin, and moisturize. Simply mash up a handful of grapes and smooth the mixture onto your face. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
Green tea
After brewing a cup of green tea, pour 1 tablespoon into a separate bowl and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey. Soak the mixture into cotton balls and apply to your face. Allow it to sit on the skin for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a towel.
Lemon
Lemon juice can act as a bleaching agent to help remove dark spots on the face. Simply cut off a wedge of lemon and rub it over facial areas with brown spots (avoid eyes, nose, and mouth). Let it sit for no more than 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Caution: if you have sensitive skin, you should dilute the lemon juice in water to lessen the acidic content before applying the juice to your skin with a cotton ball.
Lime
Lime juice works in much the same way as lemon juice in helping to remove dark spots. In addition, a combination of lime juice and oatmeal makes a wonderful exfoliator for oily, acne prone skin. Combine the juice of 1 lime with 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and mix well. Apply it gently to your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Caution: for people with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the lime juice with 1–2 teaspoons of water.
Mint
Mint leaves can act as a great skin toner. Boil a handful of leaves in two cups of water. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Then remove from the heat and allow it to cool before straining out the leaves and reserving the liquid. Use the liquid as a toner and apply with a cotton ball to the face, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains saponins, which are great for cleansing. You can make an excellent face wash by combining 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix until well blended and then apply to the face in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Orange peel
Orange peel is well known for helping to control acne, cleansing pores, and enhancing skin quality. Take fresh orange peels and tear them into small pieces. Spread them out where they can sit in the sun and dry for at least three days. Then transfer the dried peels to a blender and grind them for five minutes into a powder. Mix one teaspoon of the powder with 1 teaspoon of organic, plain Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon of organic honey. Apply the mixture to your face, allow to sit for 5–10 minutes and then rinse.
It is amazing how many everyday items can be used for beauty treatments. What are some of your favorite mixtures?
—Kristy Toth
Job Posting - Workforce Advisor
ESPERANZA
Workforce Advisor (WIOA)
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Workforce
Advisor (WIOA)
POSITION OVERVIEW: Provide
WIOA eligible customers with employment focused case management that leads to job
placement and job retention
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
·
Provide excellent, prompt, and staff-assisted
customer service to customers referred to and served by the WIOA
Intensive/Training Services program;
·
Assess eligibility and suitability for services
offered through the NWCLC;
·
Complete eligibility determination and submit
for review and approval to the Team Lead to ensure accuracy and suitability;
·
Register WIOA eligible and suitable customers;
refer customers who do not meet WIOA eligibility or are not suitable to
appropriate community resource and track referrals;
·
Assist customer in understanding the full array
of services offered; recommend, promote, and schedule customers for universal
and specialized services; follow up with customers on regular basis to ensure
customer participation in planned services;
·
Assist the customer to complete the Employment
Development Plan (EDP) and Job Finding Plan/Earned the Right to be Referred
Checklist to help customer establish goals and steps to take the achieve the
goals;
·
Ensure that data and case notes are entered into
CWDS and other systems timely;
·
Participate in job planning and other
customer-focused meetings and work with Instructors and Job Developers to
implement job placement and retention plans;
·
Notify Team Lead when customers are not participating
and are unable to contact for follow-up by Cross Center Services provider;
·
Contact customers after they are placed to check
on job retention progress and re-engage customer with the Center if employment
is lost;
·
Assist customer in obtaining needed supportive
services and assistance from other resources;
·
Provide counseling and referral services as
needed;
Initial: ______
Job
Description Workforce (WIOA) page 2
·
Maintain customer file per contract
requirements;
·
Attend meetings as required; and
·
Other tasks as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s
degree from an accredited college or university in a Human Services
related field; or 5 years equivalent experience;
- Minimum
of 2-3 years of experience working within an employment/training or human
services environment, or related field.
- WIA
knowledge and experience helpful;
- Excellent
verbal and written communication skills
- Sound
knowledge of office computer software
- Sound
knowledge of Philadelphia area and city agencies/systems
Anyone interested please e-mail your job resume to Janelle Fitzpatrick at jafitzpatrick@hotmail.com
5 High-Fat Foods to Eat in Place of Sugar and Gluten to Help Treat Epilepsy
A ketogenic diet has been used for years as a form of therapy for epilepsy in place of seizure medication. Several medical organizations support it, and it is the very way I cured my own seizures 10 years ago after having suffered for nearly 10 years of my life. There are various ketogenic diets that can be used to treat epilepsy and seizures. While the traditional diet contains large amounts of animal fats and very little vegetables, this wasn’t the approach I used. I have been pill and seizure free for 10 years. Here’s how I started eating a higher fat, protein-rich diet in place of sugar, gluten, and all refined carbs.
Epilepsy: my story
Though the cause of epilepsy is unknown, it can develop in anyone at any time. For me, it happened around age 14. I was in middle school and began experiencing what is known as grand mal seizure (or absence seizures). Instead of going into a state of shaking, I would go into a coma-like state. I would stare as if in a dream and though I could hear everyone around me, I could not communicate or talk until the episode was over. Some would last 5–10 seconds while others would last up to 5 hours.
I had been a sugar and carb addict since I was a child. When I say “carb” I am referring to processed carbs, not vegetables. Bread, cookies, cake, ice cream, French fries were the foods I craved and regularly ate. I didn’t like vegetables and always preferred sweets over savory foods (unless it was pasta or pizza!). I ate this way my whole life and started noticing around age 16 (two years after the seizures started) that my episodes always occurred after eating high-sugar foods.
So, at age 18, I finally took control and decided to go on the Atkins diet. Admittedly, weight control also played a role in my decision, since it was said to get rid of excess weight and sugar addictions. This was the starting point for me in linking my seizures to gluten and sugar. After three weeks on the Atkins diet, I started noticing a clearer mood. I had trained myself to eat vegetables, lean protein and stay away from sugar, starch and fried foods. I felt so much better, not to mention lost weight and had clearer skin.
However, being a sugar and gluten addict at age 18 wasn’t easy, nor was I interested in natural medicine at the time. So I binged regularly, which I referred to as my “cheat days,” enjoying ice cream, bread or whatever else I wanted. My seizures would follow with full force as did the cravings, and in one episode at Disneyland after high school graduation, I experienced the longest seizure I’ve ever had: 10 hours.
It was at this point I knew I had to do something. So I changed my medication by recommendation of my doctor (I was already on three different kinds). However, within two months I had clinical depression and had gained 50 pounds; I was miserable and desperate for a change, yet unable to even think clearly enough to make one. I had to quit college my freshman year, and I had taken a year off before I realized what the real issue was. My epilepsy and sugar addiction were now taking over my life — literally. I had been a straight A student all my life and was now unable to focus through a single college class.
I spent a year in depression before finding a natural solution. By chance, I came across some research from Johns Hopkins University while reading a health magazine one day. I knew nothing about health but suddenly became very interested. I read research for weeks and discovered that a ketogenic, high-fat diet could be used as a natural remedy for children who had epilepsy. But wait — I wasn’t a child anymore… would it work for me?
I started eating higher fat foods no matter how fearful of them I had been in the past: whole eggs, coconut, fish, etc. I also started eating probiotic-rich foods and vegetables more often. I noticed I felt so much better. I was eventually ready to go off sugar and within a year was able to stop taking my medications. It was at this time I was convinced of the benefits of natural medicine.
Epilepsy: sugar, gluten and the connection to a ketogenic diet
It has not been proven that sugar and gluten cause epilepsy, but because of the way these foods negatively affect blood sugar and brain health, the removal of these foods has been shown to treat all forms of epilepsy instead of (and better than) prescription drugs.
A ketogenic diet strives to get the body to run off fat instead of glucose (from carbs). It’s a temporary diet that can cure seizures and doesn’t have to be administered one’s whole life. Since ketosis can trigger lots of side effects like low energy, extreme weight loss and even nausea, it’s important to include vegetables like broccoli, greens and other lower carb options to give the body nutrients to help manage side effects.
Instead of eating carbs at all your meals, replace them with healthy fats and lean protein, making sure you don’t skimp on the fats. Eat until you’re full and choose only the highest-quality fats. Some people use bacon and butter, but I prefer eating plant-based options which are cruelty-free and more heart-healthy.
Here are the five healthy fats I recommend (and used) myself:
Avocado
Avocados are a fruit but contain almost no sugar at all; they are also high in B vitamins, magnesium, and especially monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats promote a healthy brain, healthy heart and a smaller waistline. Eat half to one whole avocado on a salad or even for breakfast with some black pepper, mustard or unsweetened salsa. If you’re not used to eating avocado, there are somegreat recipes out there!
Coconut butter
Coconut oil is commonly used in a ketogenic diet, but I like coconut butter better. For one, it tastes like a rich buttery piece of white chocolate, but has no sugar at all. Coconut butter is the whole coconut meat that is pureed into a buttery spread. It is high in MCT (saturated) fats which are one of the best fats for triggering ketosis in the body and helping your body use fat for fuel. Coconut butter is also rich in fiber, potassium and very low in carbs. I prefer coconut’s saturated fats to dairy-based animal sources of saturated fats.
Walnuts
Raw walnuts or raw walnut butter is almost carb-free but high in monounsaturated fats. Walnuts are a phenomenal brain food and also a great source of omega-3s if you don’t eat fish. Walnuts are also cholesterol-free so they’re more beneficial to the heart and they promote a lean waistline.
Flax (and chia)
These two seeds provide healthy fats and fiber at the same time. Fiber is important on a ketogenic diet. Many high-fat diets can cause constipation because they’re so low in carbohydrates. Flax and chia are the perfect options because all of their carbs come from fiber. Fiber does not raise blood sugar, nor does it get stored in the body like other carbs (glucose and starch). Fiber actually lowers blood sugar, which is beneficial to the brain. Flax and chia are also high in omega-3 fats for those who don’t eat fish.
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are lower in carbs than all other nuts. Just one may satisfy your carb cravings because these nuts are so high in selenium, B vitamins, healthy fats and magnesium. These nutrients lower cravings, promote a healthy mood, and even help with focus and weight loss.
Tips for sugar and gluten-free success:
When you’re trying to wean yourself off sugar, gluten and refined carbohydrates, it’s important to focus on eating the many wonderful foods that support satiety and balance blood sugar. This is absolutely crucial because if your blood sugar is unstable, your hormones will be out of whack and no amount of motivation or willpower will help. Sugar and gluten are both drugs in the sense that they trigger opiate release from the brain causing a physical dependence. In the meantime, they wreak havoc on both the villi and bacteria in the gut that support brain health, not to mention digestive health.
It is important to remember that sugar, gluten and refined foods provide no benefits to our health. We can obtain everything we need without them. Focus on including healthy, anti-inflammatory fats along with green vegetables at every single meal to lower insulin and sugar cravings. These also heal the gut and promote a regular digestive system while nourishing good bacteria in the gut, which are responsible for a healthy brain.
What about oils?
Though oils can be used, it’s important to remember these are not whole foods. The body can better digest and therefore benefit from whole-food sources of fat. You’ll likely find better digestion from whole foods and more satiety, as well.
Is a ketogenic diet necessary for the long term?
A ketogenic state is extreme, and not necessarily the best state of health to maintain long term. I stayed on the ketogenic diet for six months and then began to add more fiber-rich vegetables to my diet (pumpkin, sweet potato, beets). However, sugar and gluten should not be reintroduced since they could lead to a relapse. Everyone has a different tolerance level for how many carbs they can eat, though most people with a history of sugar addiction, seizures and dependence on gluten do better sticking to vegetables and possibly gluten-free grains. I now use stevia as a natural sweetener and stay as far away as possible from both refined and natural sweeteners.
In a world where we are told high-fat foods are the enemy, it’s time to take a look at the bigger picture and see how sugar and gluten are actually the biggest health problems we face today. Instead of focusing on calories and weight loss, how can we use healthy foods like those mentioned here to heal the body?
—Heather McClees
Job Posting - Event Coordinator
We are currently trying to fill a Event Coordinator for a very prominent Fortune 500 client of ours located in Horsham, PA. You can find the details below. If you are a fit for this position and are interested in hearing more please email your resume to eric.stephenson@
Job Description:
Eric Stephenson | Talent Acquisition Consultant
Eric.Stephenson@
Job Description:
- Manage national sales meeting planning logistics including securing conference rooms, sending out meeting invites, setting up Web Ex meetings for all applicable meetings.
- Capture and distribute planning meeting minutes.
- Update show flow agendas.
- Manage Home Office list creation and updates.
- Work with all functional partners (as required) to assist PM in managing Ad Hoc needs driven by logistic needs and dynamics.
- Create/update rehearsal schedules.
- Partner with IT to continue to evolve meeting app utilization for paperless meetings.
- Assist PM in meeting execution of virtual meetings to include: Logistics (securing studio space at appropriate site), Creating rehearsal and shoot schedule, Securing time on calendars.
- Seek opportunities to streamline current processes.
- Develop new approaches to current process where applicable
- Partner with PM on Controls & Compliance Meeting Memorialization at the conclusion of all national meetings.
Eric Stephenson | Talent Acquisition Consultant
Eric.Stephenson@
Keep Your Cholesterol in Check and Hydrate Your Skin with This Seasonal Fruit
Get ready to make pomegranate part of your regular routine! This gorgeous bejeweled fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients that are important for natural health and beauty.
Here is a list of creative ways to make use of the juice, flesh, seeds and even the skin, so you can take full advantage of the benefits of pomegranate.
How to use pomegranate juice for natural wellness
Consume fresh homemade pomegranate juice regularly for a boost of vitamin C. This will help maintain your immune system and keep away illness during cold and flu season. Vitamin C also supports the production of collagen and elastin, which keep skin looking youthful.
Pomegranate juice has been studied for cancer-fighting properties. In particular, it has been found that certain compounds in pomegranate juice destroy prostate cancer cells.
Another reason to consume pomegranate juice is to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This brightly colored fruit is full of antioxidants, tannins, anthocyanins and polyphenols, which help boost “good” cholesterol (HDL) while fighting inflammation and controlling blood pressure.
Benefits of pomegranate seeds and fruit
Did you know that pomegranate contains more antioxidants than green tea, blueberries and oranges? These compounds protect cells and tissues from damage and prevent unhealthy changes in DNA. Consuming pomegranate is a natural way to prevent signs of aging.
In fact, eating pomegranate regularly can help protect against many diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, anemia, arthritis, infertility and diabetes. The powerful therapeutic potential of the fruit is due to its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Pomegranate consumption also results in lower cortisol levels, which means the fruit even fights stress, anxiety and depression!
Further, pomegranate seed oil is an excellent natural sun protector. It is rich in antioxidants, including a particular compound called ellagic acid, which is known to prevent skin damage from UV rays. The oil also promotes the regeneration of skin cells.
Pomegranate seed oil also makes a great natural treatment for dry, frizzy or coarse hair. Apply a small amount to your hair for an hour before washing, and your hair will become shinier and more manageable.
Health and beauty benefits of pomegranate peel
Bet you never knew you could use the skin of a pomegranate for health and beauty! This unexpected ingredient has many incredible uses. See the recipe below to make your own powder at home.
- Heal acne and skin conditions by applying a mask made with pomegranate powder, lemon juice and rose water.
- Prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging with a paste made from pomegranate powder and a little milk. Use twice a week.
- The ellagic acid found in pomegranate peel hydrates and protects the skin. Mix the powder with good-quality yogurt and leave on the face and neck for ten minutes before rinsing.
- Create an excellent antioxidant exfoliating scrub with pomegranate powder, brown sugar, honey and avocado oil.
- Scrub the scalp with a mixture of pomegranate powder and hair oil to fight hair loss and dandruff. Leave on for at least two hours, or overnight, before washing clean.
- Mix powdered pomegranate peel with water and use as a gargle or a mouthwash to soothe a sore throat, protect against chronic inflammation, and improve dental and gum health. You can also drink the powder to ward off heart disease, prevent loss of bone density, and improve intestinal health.
How to make sun-dried pomegranate powder
Making your own pomegranate powder at home is easy! Ensure that the fruit is organic, or at least washed very thoroughly with a natural produce washing agent.
Start with four pomegranates, and cut them into quarters. Remove all of the fruit and seeds, then cut the peel pieces in half again to create eighths.
Now you have two options. If you wish to use the powder for topical applications, keep the yellow flesh inside the red skin intact. If you want to consume the powder, peel the yellow part away and discard, as it can add a bitter flavor.
Now spread out the peel and leave in direct sunlight for a few days until it becomes hard and dry. Then grind it in a blender for a minute or two until you have a powder. Store the powder in a clean, dry, airtight jar.
Be sure to add pomegranate products to your weekly shopping list. Check out more powerful superfruits here!
—Liivi Hess
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