Monthly Archives: February 2016

You Decide: The Risks and Benefits of the MMR Vaccination

Most of us weigh the risks and benefits of medical procedures prior to obtaining them. We sign an informed consent form with an understanding of the potential harm versus the perceived benefits.

In the case of vaccinations, the great majority of parents obtain vaccinations for their children, influenced by the “sales pitch” and “scare tactics” used by physicians. We are assured that the vaccination is safe and will protect us and our children from the various targeted deadly diseases. If we blindly trust our doctors, as I once had, we readily agree.

It is important that we think critically before agreeing to any vaccination, recognizing that vaccines are indeed medical procedures which carry serious risks of harm, along with only “theoretical” health benefits.

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Kefir: The Queen of Fermented Foods

fermenting 033Kefir is by far the most powerful and healing of all fermented foods. Home made kefir made with kefir grains and raw organic pastured milk contain up to 56 types of probiotics. Making your own kefir is quite simple. The most challenging part can be locating the kefir grains to start the process, but there are many online resources available. Some local communities have them, as well. I was fortunate to find some at a local grocery store, which carries both kefir grains and kombucha scobys.

Most healing and illnesses originate in the gut.fermenting 001 For this reason, enhancing one’s multitude of probiotics or healthy bacteria is essential for optimal health. There is no comparison between home made kefir and store bought kefir in terms of quantity and type of probiotics, but it can still be beneficial to use store bought kefir. Try and use brands which carry the highest quality ingredients possible, with no added sugar. Continue reading →

The Perfect Storm: Vaccinations and Modern Malnutrition

We have the perfect storm for creating an environment that will continue to injure and destroy the health of our most precious gifts, our children. We live in America, which is the most highly vaccinated country on the planet. Vaccinations alone are responsible for tremendous health damage.

We are also a country that consumes a highly processed, sugar-laden, vitamin-deficient diet, which adds its own set of health problems. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a strong immune system capable of maintaining health and naturally fighting disease. The combination of vaccinations and poor diets contribute to our growing health epidemic, creating the perfect storm. Continue reading →

My Children are Vaccine Damaged; Are Yours?

I was raised like most Americans. Doctors were highly respected in my parents’ home and their authority on health matters was not questioned. My parents followed their physicians’ advice on healthcare and I was no different when raising my own children.

I was careful to follow the health and dietary recommendations when my children were young and I believed that vaccines would keep my children safe from disease.  In fact, I believed wholeheartedly that the more vaccines we had, the better protected my family would be. Out of love, I gave myself and my children every new vaccine available. I consulted with our physicians and with full trust followed their advice. Continue reading →

Delicious, Healthy and Easy Soaked Nuts

fermenting 044Nuts are a healthy, easy snack and can provide quick protein when energy lags. They also provide good fats, containing 60 to 80% of their calorie content in the form of fat. For those with no digestive issues, raw nuts in small quantities are relatively easy to digest and pose no health issues. However, to maximize the nutrients found in nuts and improve digestibility, it is recommended to first soak nuts in a combination of sea salt and filtered water for several hours, drain and then dry at low temperatures for 12-24 hours. What this process does is reduce the levels of phytic acid and numerous enzyme inhibitors which can strain the digestive system. Soaking or sprouting nuts also improves the nutrient availability of nuts. Continue reading →