If there is one health imbalance which is common to many medical conditions, it is Chronic acidosis. So pervasive is this under-the-radar health problem, yet many have never even heard of it, though they suffer its consequences for years or decades.

Simply put, Chronic acidosis is a systemic condition of the body which slowly emerges over time due to improper eating, especially when there is a sustained level of stress in one’s life that is not managed in a healthy way. There are other co-factors, but a substandard and incompatible diet is by far the primary physical cause when coupled with habitual maladaptive stress responses to the pressures of life.

Your food can be your best medicine or worst toxin

All foods and beverages can be divided into three categories: those that are acidifying; those which are alkalizing and those which have a neutral effect on the body’s PH.  

Please click on the chart to enlarge.

SOURCE: www.thenaturalwaynow.com

If your regular diet is high in the following acidifying foods, then there will be a much greater tendency for the body to move into a chronic condition known as acidosis. Each of these foods will contribute to an acidic state because of how they are digested and metabolized in vivo (in the body during digestion).

Both of the following lists were compiled from LIVESTRONG.COM.
The foods which are the most acidifying are as follows:
• Bacon, sausage, ham and corned beef
• Chicken, turkey, red meat, shellfish, seafood, lamb, organ meats, pork and game meats
• Milk, yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese, butter, ice cream and hard cheese
• White bread, white rice, pasta, biscuits, bagels, doughnuts, pastries and crackers.
• Beer, wine, hard liquor, spirits and scotch
• Soda, coffee, black tea and cocoa
• Currants, blueberries, cranberries, canned fruits and glazed fruits
• Pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews and pistachios
• Corn oil, canola oil, margarine, and lard; olive oil, sesame oil, safflower oil are more healthy alternatives
• Corn, lentils, winter squash and olives
• In general, processed junk food is very acidifying
• Food that is alkalizing can have an acidifying effect in the body if one is allergic to it
• Food that is old, stale, burnt, moldy, as well as produce that is limp and not fresh
(Per the “High Acidic Foods List” at LIVESTRONG.COM)

There are other foods which are acidifying but this is a good start for those who need to be on the lookout.

What follows is a list of foods which is alkalizing:
• Spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, collard, dandelion and mustard greens
• Parsley, watercress, asparagus and endive
• Lima beans, green peas and white beans
• Radishes, beets and carrots
• Wheat, alfalfa and barley
• Oatmeal, brown basmati rice and millet
• Sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, soy sprouts and mung bean sprouts
• Lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines
• Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon
• Papaya, mango, guava, kiwi, passion fruit and pineapple
• Sweet grapes, nectarines, persimmon and pears
• Dried fruits, including raisins, dates and figs
(Per “A List of Foods With the Most Alkaline” at LIVESTRONG.COM)

Again, this list of foods which assists in alkalizing the body is by no means exhaustive, but it does provide a great start for anyone looking to make the shift in body PH.

*Please be aware that there are numerous Acid/Alkaline Lists published on the internet. They are by and large the same, although some do differ with respect to various individual foods. We have compiled both of these lists from the Livestrong.com website and have found it to be consistent with our understanding.

You can't go wrong with a lot of fresh veggies and fruits.

It is quite noteworthy that there are some subtleties involved with this type of acid-base body chemistry which many health commentators either ignore or are unaware of. For instance the fact that lemons are very alkalizing although they would seem to be highly acidic. When ingested on a regular basis, freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed in a cup of water will serve to alkalize the body with unusual potency. A half of lemon a day squeezed in 8 ounces of water is also quite effective at detoxifying the liver.
There are other counter-intuitive aspects to this topic which will be taken up in a future session. For now the goal for many is to gradually move their food and beverage intake toward an 80/20 mix (that’s an alkaline/acid ratio). It will be the first time that many have achieved this proportion in their entire lifetime; therefore, it is preferable to maintain this new diet regimen for as long as possible. One suffering from chronic acidosis will hopefully incorporate some of the many alkaline foods into their normal eating pattern once they go back to their previous dietary habits.

What are some other risk factors associated with Chronic acidosis (CA)?

Any lifestyle practice or environmental exposure which contributes to acidifying the body chemistry should be looked at very closely for anyone suffering from CA. Remember, it is the acidic effect in the body which matters the most. The body’s biochemistry can be altered in many ways which we shall see, so it is the final product which ought to be carefully considered. These other CA co-factors include the following:
(1) Pharmaceutical drugs – all drug medications seem to have an acidifying effect, many greatly so
(2) Recreational drugs – nicotine, marijuana, hashish, LSD, designer drugs
(3) Nutraceutical supplements when taken to excess or incorrectly self prescribed
(4) Lack of exercise and too much exercise
(5) Lack of proper sleep – especially non-compliance with “Early to bed, early to rise.”
(6) Exposure to environmental toxicities – from food, water, air
(7) Synthetic clothing which adversely affects the skin’s capacity to ‘breathe’
(8) Too much sun as in sunburn; too little exposure to the sun especially needed for vitamin D production
(9) Too much exposure to fluoridated and chlorinated water both by drinking and showering
(10) This list is by no means comprehensive, so everyone is encouraged to assess their home, work and automobile environments with care.

There are many other co-factors which cause the body chemistry to acidify such as predominant emotional and mental states. For instance, an individual in the state of constant high anxiety will create the internal conditions for an acidic condition to take hold. Likewise, one who goes from home rage to road rage, and gets angry at the drop of a hat will experience even the most alkaline food turning into acid in their stomach. This is one very good reason never to eat when you’re in a fit of anger. It’s always better to let the strong emotions pass, for your body’s sake.

SOURCE: www.acidalkalinediet.com

Now we come to the title of this session: Chronic Acidosis: A Precursor To Cancer

The truth be told, Chronic acidosis is a precursor to countless diseases and ailments. Not only that, but many other diseases and illness will directly contribute to Chronic acidosis, if not addressed in an effective and steadfast manner. This ‘symbiotic relationship’ is similar to a feedback loop whereby both the CA and the disease mutually reinforce each other causing a downward spiral, much like we see in a Stage IV cancer or AIDS patient. It is well known that every cancer patient must efficiently process the acidic effects of the cancer itself, as well as all the acidifying chemotherapy, radiation treatments, lack of exercise, emotional depression, malaise and lethargy associated with being bed-ridden, etc.

These obstacles can all be overcome by one who is aware of how to meet each challenge head on. For example, John Gunther in his book DEATH BE NOT PROUD outlines a potent dietary regimen that anyone can engage with a little support. The Gerson Institute has established an excellent set of protocols that includes regular coffee enemas which can be particularly effective. Various schools of yoga teach meditation, hatha yoga, pranayama, chanting practices and contemplation techniques which address the mental and emotional components of cancer as well as other serious diseases like AIDS.

The viral components of cancer love sugar and white wheat and other food ingredients which create the highly acidic environment in which it thrives. Deprive the cancer cells of this necessary fuel and you can starve them into extinction. It really is often that simple. Of course, when one combines the most appropriate diet with all the other recommended lifestyle changes, you do put the odds in your favor in such a way that will greatly increase the likelihood of remssion with no recurrence. Especially when a wholesome healthstyle or wellness program is adhered to for the rest of the lifetime, cancer and every other disease will unlikely find a home in your body.

The recommended alkaline diet can be a difficult regimen for some to adhere to, especially given their type of work, workplace constraints or work demands. Certainly they are encouraged to gradually move away from such a strict set of prohibitions particularly when it causes additional stress; however, the more one sticks with a balanced, alkalizing diet, the better they will feel and thrive.

Caveat:
There is a flip side to this story which ought to be acknowledged. The body can also be too alkaline which can actually cause a medical condition known as alkalosis. Most never have to worry about such a predicament; however, we are compelled to issue the follow caveat regarding water ionizers and alkalizers.
The following article takes up this health issue for those who are unaware, yet vulnerable to the numerous sales pitches coming from the MLM industry.
Water Alkalizers & Ionizers: Is It Healthy To Drink Only Alkaline Water?

Conclusion:
Given the preponderance of acidic food in the “All American” diet, almost everyone can benefit by including more alkaline food in their daily meals. Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and legumes, raw seeds and nuts, herbs and spices are often ignored in favor of pre-cooked and processed foods, meat-filled dishes and week old sweets full of inferior ingredients. All of the manufactured soft drinks; synthetic juices; coffees, cappuccinos, and teas only add fuel to this fire known as Chronic acidosis.

In light of the direction that society is going with respect to food preparation and delivery, it can often require a very creative approach to counterbalance the trend toward an acidic condition. In this regard, planning your meals well in advance with well rounded menus that have been pieced together over months of creating them is a sure way to control what you eat.

Conversely, choosing your foods on the fly will almost always land you in a place you may not want to be. Most foods available on demand are quite often the acidifying type that you really want to avoid, especially when dealing with a chronic illness, lifelong condition or intractable disease. Therefore, our best recommendation is to “plan, Plan and PLAN” your meals in advance whenever possible. You’ll always be very glad that you did!

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Our Best Recommendation:
Perhaps the best way to ensure that your meals are properly planned out is to do so when you prepare the grocery list. In this way you can create nutritious, balanced, alkaline-rich menus for each meal of each day for which food is being purchased.
There are many excellent cookbooks (e.g. Ayurveda cookbook), nutritional reference books, and health/wellness websites which can also be consulted at this time, especially a high integrity Alkaline/Acid Food List.

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2778

There is perhaps no pain as agonizing as the pain associated with a slowly passing kidney stone. From all who have suffered from this ailment of the uro-genital tract, we have heard that they never want to experience this excruciating pain again. And so we are compelled to highlight the causes and natural cures for both the trauma, as well as the chronic condition from which this imbalance springs.

Causes:

“Kidney stones develop when microscopic particles form in the collecting system of your urinary tract and then gradually enlarge. When they become large enough to move, kidney stones can cause excruciating pain. Low urinary volume — the result of inadequate fluid intake — high concentrations of calcium, oxalate, phosphate, sodium and uric acid ions, acidic urine and low levels of citrate all favor stone formation. A variety of medical conditions contribute to kidney stones, too, including diabetes, obesity, gout and some intestinal diseases. A family history of kidney stones also increases your risk.”(Per Livestrong.com)

Three examples of kidney stones -- the more painful variety

Kidney stones are much more common these days for a number of reasons. So much of the modern lifestyle contributes to their formation and so little is done to maintain good kidney health. “Kidney stones, usually comprised of a compound called calcium oxalate, are the result of a build-up of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys.”[1] Here are some of the causes, which very few in the medical model will tell you.  

(1) The proliferation of pharmaceutical drugs has place an inordinate burden on the kidneys. How often have we heard about the antibiotics and other drug medications showing up in the water supply after being urinated out? Such a constant assault on the kidneys greatly affects their proper functioning which can lead to stone formation. As the drug chemicals themselves are not always being filtered out, they can add to the stone formation.

(2) The overuse of calcium supplements has created a predicament whereby proper calcium metabolism has been adversely affected for many. Whenever the body receives too much calcium over too long a period of time, especially in the form of substandard formulations, the individual’s biochemistry can be changed in negative ways. The human body is practically knit together with calcium. Since this is the case, when you alter the delicate balance, calcium will lay down in all the wrong places. Kidney stones are a dramatic example of where calcium will accumulate in the kidneys as a protective mechanism.

(3) Dehydration, which can be caused by not drinking enough fluids and by drinking the wrong fluids at the wrong time, is a major contributing co-factor for kidney stone formation. For instance, drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages in the morning will upset proper hydration, since caffeine is a diuretic. Caffeine is also a powerful chemical which will alter the body chemistry of those who have an inability to properly metabolize it, thereby affecting the kidneys — the main fluid filter of the body.

(4) Foods high in oxalates[2] are a definite culprit in the formation of stones. Therefore, a high dietary intake of oxalate-containing foods, such as spinach, beet greens, Swiss chard, okra, chocolate, rhubarb, blueberries and blackberries, black tea, peanuts and soybeans, wheat bran and wheat germ, almonds, soy milk and soy yoghurt, ought to be avoided when there is a history of kidney stones. It should be noted that raw spinach and beet greens is preferable to cooked greens since the cooking process significantly contributes to oxalate content. The Oxalate Content of Food

“Beer, tea and coffee are beverages that are high in oxalates. Because soy, chocolate and tomatoes are high in oxalates, soy milk, hot chocolate and tomato juice are all high in oxalates, too.”(Per Livestrong.com)
Read more at FOODS HIGH IN CALCIUM OXALATE

There are other risk factors which may be present in any given case of frequent kidney stone formation. However, if those co-factors listed above are eliminated, you are putting the odds in your favor never to experience this painful condition. When you do, here are some tips for quickly passing the stone naturally.

Natural Treatments for Kidney Stones

The following recommendations are made with the proviso that you consider any other serious medical conditions which may also be present. These natural remedies have been used quite successfully and are proven safe as long as they are taken correctly and with moderation.

The following measures can be taken when there is acute pain from a slowly passing or stuck kidney stone.
• Drink LOTS of distilled water and eat much less during the traumatic phase of the kidney stone – ASAP

• Squeeze lemons and put it in the distilled water – ASAP

• Need to dissolve the calcium deposits in the kidney area with freshly squeezed carrot + celery juice asap. (Drink lots of fresh orange juice BEFORE breakfast)

• Go to health food store and create kidney stone tea @ http://www.kidneystone911.com/kidney-stone-tea.html

• Moist warm heat on the lower back with hot water bottle unless painful

• Magnesium orotate supplement in moderation

• Drink organic cranberry or pomegranate juice (organic and diluted, not too strong)

• Most stones are calcium deposits therefore vinegar can be taken as follows :
*** HOW TO CURE KIDNEY STONES WITH VINEGAR ***

• No coffee or black tea (no caffeinated beverages), No hot chocolate, No tomato juice, No soy drinks

• No supplements of any kind except those that dissolve kidney stones, except magnesium

• No oxalates
Go easy on oxalates. Eating large quantities of fruits and vegetables provides you with lots of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients; however, some of these foods also provide oxalates, which you ought to reduce significantly  if you have a tendency toward kidney stone formation.

• Use salt sparingly for a few days
Salt. There’s also a high correlation between kidney stones and salt intake. Limit your sodium consumption to no more than two grams per day.

Teas which are diuretics and/or dissolve stones

Diuretic Tea for Dissolving Kidney Stones:
“Dandelion and corn silk are two choices of diuretic that are effective. Diuretic tea is another natural remedy for kidney stones. Made from dandelion, corn silk, fennel seed, nettle leaf and oat straw, diuretic tea is very simple to prepare. Pour one quart of boiling water on ½ teaspoon of all the remaining herbs. Cover with a lid and set it aside for 20 minutes. Filter and then drink a cup of this tea in the morning and evening.”
(Per http://www.alternativehealth.co.nz/kidney/dissolvestones.htm)

Goldenrod tea (Wild Herb to Cure Kidney Stone)
The North Americans found a wild herb called goldenrod, which is also found to be very effective. If you are allergic to goldenrod tinctures, don’t try the following recipe.

“Take a quarter cup of gravel root, marshmallow root, hydrangea root, ginger capsules and 250mg of vitamin B6 and uva ursi capsules. Soak all these ingredients in small non-metallic cups with non-metallic lids individually filled with fresh tap water. Then boil the herbs and simmer for 20 minutes. Drink a quarter cup, when it cools down and freeze the rest. Buy fresh parsley that is not sprayed. Boil four bunches in one quart of water for three to five minutes. Strain the portion and drink it once it cools down. Freeze the rest. Make a mixture of both the frozen contents daily and add 20 drops of goldenrod tincture and one tablespoon of glycerin. Take a big mug full daily. Drink it in small quantities and if you are allergic, start with half the dose.” (Per http://www.thelifetree.com/kidneycleanse.htm)

Performing a seasonal kidney cleanse is an effective way to prevent kidney stones.

Kidney Cleanse Programs

Regular or seasonal cleansing of the kidneys is the single best way to avoid the painful stones. We have used both of the following programs with excellent results.
Dr. Hulda Clark’s Kidney Cleanse

Dr. Richard Clark’s Kidney Cleanse

In closing:
Perhaps the best preventive measure for kidney stones is to do the following every day.
=> Very first thing in the morning after cleaning the mouth, one should drink a large glass of warm, distilled water.
This is the single best way of flushing out the kidneys. This practice should always be done before eating.
3 Morning Essentials — EVERYDAY!

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Endnotes:
[1] “What Are Kidney Stones? What Causes Kidney Stones?” – www.medicalnewstoday.com (Article Date: 17 Jun 2009)

[2] “Oxalates are salts formed when oxalic acid combines with potassium, sodium or calcium. While the first two are innocuous, calcium oxalate is implicated in the formation of kidney stones. Some kidney stone sufferers benefit from a diet reduced in oxalate.” (Per “What Fruits & Vegetables Contain Oxalate?” @ www.ehow.com)

[3] Cooking greens like spinach, Swiss chard or beet greens increases the conversion of oxalic acid to oxalate salt. Therefore, raw spinach is much better than cooked spinach for anyone with a history of kidney stones. For those who like cooked spinach, it’s recommended to lightly steam it or very gently sautee it.

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach
Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2786

Rather than focus on the traditional aspects of obesity, we will direct your attention to those which are seldom mentioned. There are very profound and significant emotional and mental components to this imbalance which warrant a close look. Each of them revolves around the issue of stress and how we deal with it in our lives.

Truly, stress is the primary trigger for virtually all of our physical maladies. Actually, it is our habitual and programmed ways for processing stress which is at the root of many ailments and imbalances. The mismanagement of stress is the most influential co-factor in the development of chronic obesity. Simply put, the overwhelming pressures of modern life cause many of us to adapt in ways that contribute to an over-size body.

How so?

Here are just a couple of the maladaptive responses which many overweight folks have evolved during the course of their lifetimes.  

Emotional Armoring

Emotional Armoring — Life is full of situations where we might find ourselves under assault. These assaults may come in the form of physical attacks, emotional traumas, mental battles, wars of will, psychological battles among many others. Especially when we find ourselves in a relationship that is relentless in delivering any form of these assaults we often evolve a type of emotional armoring which is unconsciously developed as a means of self protection. This self defense mechanism, when used over periods of time, frequently translates to the physical phenomenon of creating buffers or layers of body fat. These are meant to serve as an armor of sorts, protecting us from the assaults of life.

There are certainly many predicaments in life which encourage this kind emotional armoring. An abusive spouse, a tyrannical boss, a domineering parent, a son or daughter who victimizes their parent for past injustices. The list is quite long since there are so many dysfunctional relationships in Western society. The pervasive alienation and estrangement, which occurs in so many families, sets up a pattern for both the cause and effect of emotional armoring. Therefore, recognizing that it is operative in your life is the most important step.

As always, breaking out of the denial phase of this type conditioning marks the beginning of the end of its hold on you. Once you identify the “usual suspects” you can start the process of recovery toward wholeness. This often begins with taking back your power and standing in your own truth. Taking this initiative alone will often free one of the grip that the other in an unhealthy relationship may have on you. Ultimately, as genuine self respect continues to develop within your being, respect is returned to you by those around you. The cycle of disrespect in the form of abuse, victimization or derision is broken. And the need for 24/7 emotional armoring completely goes away like a snake shedding its skin.

The product successfully eradicating this tendency is that the physical body will respond accordingly. The many reflexes and habits in regard to diet will naturally leave your life. So will the different lifestyle practices which kept you from exercising or stretching or doing your daily hatha yoga. Furthermore, you will make room in your life for other daily practices which contribute to a healthy and wholesome life.

Body Buffering

It’s very easy to confuse this underlying reason for obesity with the previous one. Body buffering is significantly different because it does not stem from abuse; rather, it precipitates from a deep often unconscious need or desire to cushion oneself from the bumps and hard edges of life. The current race of humanity does come from two different places, yes? The men are predominantly from Mars, whereas the women are mostly from Venus. However, the planet itself has been dominated by the men who built it who tend to be rough around the edges and not too concerned with the softer and more rounded aspects of life. Because of this, our society reflects the hardness, coldness, and sharp edges which exist everywhere.

Very gentle, delicate and sensitive souls often times will create their own buffers to cushion themselves from these features of the Iron Age that we currently live in. They don’t even know they’re doing it. As a way of insulating themselves from the cold temperatures of the North, or hard edges of living in a big city, some will layer themselves with fat tissue.

There are many healthy and constructive ways of dealing with these same issues. Therefore, upon recognition of this root cause of the weight gain, it is usually very easy to compensate in other postive ways. All it takes is shining the light of awareness on the true causes so that they can be exposed and systematically addressed. Simple things like wearing more clothes when it’s cold or changing one’s attitude toward harsh living conditions or a severe work environment. There are also many fun games one can play with oneself to coax one away from a maladaptive behavior and toward an approach that is patient, tolerant and forbearing.

Looking closely at the cost/benefit ratio of body buffering will quickly reveal that carrying around so much weight is not that easy. Not only does it set one up for a whole host of different health problems and medical conditions, it makes the practical living of life quite difficult. From seats that are too small in the airplane and movie theatre, to finding clothes that fit, to being turned down for life and /or health insurance, life can be very challenging. The more one considers this downside, the easier it is to justify a movement to the thinner side of life.

Exercise can be essential to maintaining right body weight and building self esteem.

Self Proclamation ~ Self Assertion ~ Self Promotion

We live in a world in which most everyone is trying to get their 15 minutes of fame. These folks want to be seen, to be heard, to be known somewhere on the landscape of life. On the flip side, many feel very hopeless or powerless over many of the circumstances in their life. They get depressed easily about the trials and tribulations which never seem to let up. Most importantly these people would like to carve out a bit of space which is theirs and theirs alone. And so they do. They carve out a big piece of space by growing a large body which cannot be denied by anyone.

No one can deny that this very large person has arrived … anywhere … anytime … anyhow. They have shown up with great presence and this is what this obese individual is really looking for. Sometimes they want acknowledgment; sometimes a compliment; sometimes fame or fortune. No matter what it is, their large profile is a way of saying, “I’m here, please don’t ignore me.” Or, please accept me as another breathing, living member of the human race. For so many it is often just a matter of simple acknowledgement which is craved.

Taking up space in this manner is also a way of proclaiming that they are a force to be dealt with. They are not powerless or vulnerable and can take care of themselves. Therefore, don’t even think of taking advantage or exploiting them. At the end of the day this particular psychological profile will eventually come to the knowing that they are not their body, they are something much greater. The sooner they come to this and other truthful self realizations they are able to release all of the body mass which was added only so they would be recognized or commended.

Conclusion:
There are other emotional temperaments and mental predispositions which serve as psychological templates for obesity. These will be taken up in Part II on the same subject. We heartily appreciate the many who have shared their experiences in this regard with us over the years. This particular health challenge is often a life-long struggle which discourages and frustrates the toughest among us.

We especially thank the many gentle giants who have bared their souls in the process of recovery. They are usually the victims of ridicule, especially when they had to deal with childhood obesity which is now quite common. It didn’t used to be and “back in the days” was looked at quite judgmentally and with a unfair share of pejorative labeling.

Lastly, we do not intend to minimize some of the physical realities that are associated with obesity. There are different biochemical, physiological and hormonal dynamics which both contribute to and play a part in the feedback loops which often keep an individual in an overweight state. However, we would suggest that the great majority of these are purely psychosomatic in nature in that the mind has sufficiently exerted its influence over the matter.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2781

Usain Bolt shocked by Yohan Blake’s 100m Olympic trials win

What are they doing so well that the other Olympic contenders are failing to do?

The 3 fastest Jamaican sprinters

Simple answer. If you’ve ever been to Jamaica, it’s clear these beautiful and happy people have a well established tradition of very healthy eating.
Their entire culture has blended the best cuisine from a number of different influences. The island nation of Jamaica is fairly large with multiple weather patterns crisscrossing it making possible for a diverse number of crops to be grown. The availability of vegetables and fruits, grains and legumes is quite plentiful and allows for a plethora of tasty recipes.

Jamaican food is the real secret to the strength and robust constitution which so many of the residents possess. Eating such healthy and well-balanced diets from a young and tender age, however, is the key to why these sprinters dominate the sport. Compared to American kids who eat so many processed meals and junk food from early on, Jamaicans seem to have a sense of what to stay away from. The mothers really do take good care of their young during the formative stages of growth and development, which sets them up for good health later in life.  

The Jamaicans dominate sprinting like the Kenyans dominate long distance.

Soul Food

The Health Coach has visited many islands throughout the Caribbean since the early 1980s. Upon arriving in Jamaica he could see that this island nation was different. Regardless of their socioeconomic levels, the people were happy and content. You could experience a sense of groundedness that was lacking in the states. No matter where you went, the people exuded an abiding joy that springs from a heart-centered existence.

When the body is truly satisfied from the food it is fed on a regular basis, there is contentment. Nothing produces this effect like REAL soul food. Because of the use of many spices and herbs, the predominant Jamaican cuisine that is eaten in the home brings balance to their bodies. Maintaining these dietary disciplines throughout life allows them to live long, healthy, illness-free lives. This is where one would want to look to ascertain the secret to their extraordinary athletic prowess on the running track.

When wholesome and healthy soul food is such an integral part of the culture, the society is bound to experience benefits that it would not otherwise. Why is it that we can always identify the Jamaicans who have come to Florida to live or visit? Because they have evolved in such a way that bespeaks excellent multi-generational eating habits that are as sound as they are true to there own style of Ayurvedic diet*. Having maintained these wise cooking and eating practices for so long has produced a body type that is not too unlike those who hail from the island of Sicily.

Both of these islands do share a similar history because they occupy strategic and very desirable locations in the middle of their seas. Sicily is known for possessing one of the most diverse gene pools on the planet because it sits in the middle of the shipping lanes in the Mediterranean for millennia. It was also the most conquered piece of real estate in the world for the same strategic reason, in addition to providing such a beautiful island environment. Sicilian food has also been instrumental in producing a very strong and robust constitution similar to the Jamaicans. One might perceive that Sicilians are a Caucasian version of the typical Jamaican.

Jamaica likewise sits right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and was occupied by numerous conquerors for many of the same reasons as Sicily. The gene pool is quite varied and comes from all the African, European, South American and indigenous peoples who first inhabited that lush and beautiful island. When such a confluence of favorable circumstances converge in one country, we see many great possibilities … like four of the fastest men in the world.

The Jamaican Diet

Just what are some of the staples of the jamaican diet?

Rice and peas, plantain, jack fruit, roast breadfruit, ackee & saltfish, mackerel run down, bammy (aka cassava bread), dukunoo, cullaloo are just some of the foods that make up a healthy Jamaican menu. How they got to this rich diversity of foods and unique ways of pleasing the palate is explained as follows:

“Jamaican cuisine includes a mixture of cooking techniques, flavors, spices and influences from the indigenous people on the island, and the Spanish, British, Africans, Indian and Chinese who have inhabited the island. It is also influenced by the crops introduced into the island from tropical Southeast Asia. Jamaican cuisine includes various dishes from the different cultures brought to the island with the arrival of people from elsewhere. Other dishes are novel or a fusion of techniques and traditions. In addition to ingredients that are native to Jamaica, many foods have been introduced and are now grown locally. A wide variety of seafood, tropical fruits and meats are available.” (Per Wikipedia – Jamaican cuisine)[1]

It’s not that Jamaican food is so tantalizing as Thai or tasty as Indian; it’s that there are many influences in the form of spices and herbs, especially of the East Indian variety as seen in their different curries.

“Some Jamaican cuisine dishes are variations on the cuisines and cooking styles brought to the island from elsewhere. These are often modified to incorporate local produce. Others are novel and have developed locally. Popular Jamaican dishes include curry goat, fried dumplings, ackee and salt fish (cod) (which is the national dish of Jamaica), fried plantain, “jerk”, steamed cabbage and “rice and peas” (pigeon peas or kidney beans). Jamaican Cuisine has been adapted by African, British, French, Spanish, Chinese influences.”(Per Wikipedia – Jamaican cuisine)[1]

A curried dish straight from a Jamaican menu

In Closing:
The food we eat, especially during childhood, has a tremendous effect on our health and attitude. Peering deeply into a simple culture like Jamaica’s will reveal some of the truths which are espoused by the ancient tradition of Ayurveda. You are what you eat, and the earlier in life you eat it the more profound the influence on the rest of your life. For many of us in Western society who were not so fortunate to be raised with good eating habits, our bodies nag us to stay on the straight and narrow for the duration of our adult life.

The next in this series will explore the general state of health of the Baby Boomer generation of the USA, and especially why so many of them are dying before their parents.
For many of us this predicament can still be addressed, for those who possess the proper wisdom and put it into practice.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

*According to Ayurveda the body has six fundamental tastes that want to be satisfied throughout the course of a day’s diet.  The more that these tastes are fulfilled, the more balance and vitality will be experienced.  Food cravings and over-eating is less likely to occur because the body has been sufficiently gratified.   Because the does not find itself lacking vital nutrients and minerals, the constant urge to eat and drink simply goes away.  You then eat when you’re really hungry, and drink when you’re truly thirsty.  Just the way it was meant to be.

Author’s Notes:
There is a very significant frame of reference which must be considered in order to properly understand the impressive achievement of the Jamaican sprinters. As follows:
The population of Jamaica is only 2,889,187 compared to the population of the USA of 311,591,917. As a percentage, Jamaica does not even have 10% of the US population. Jamaica certainly does not possess the track and field infrastructure, which is even much less on a per capita basis, when compared with that of the USA. And yet, Jamaica is able to produce four or five of the fastest men in the world. Certainly, the extremely diverse and strong gene pool has much more to do with this accomplishment than we have alluded to. As do many other factors which we have neglected in this session; but nevertheless, do contribute in major ways to this awesome national legacy.

Endnotes:
[1] “Jamaican cuisine” – Wikipedia

[2] Four of the five fastest men in the world today are from Jamaica.
This list is not in order as their ranking shifts from race to race.
• Usain Bolt @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usain_Bolt
• Yohan Blake @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yohan_Blake
• Asafa Powell @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafa_Powell
• Nesta Carter @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nesta_Carter

[3] Colin Powell is probably the most famous American of Jamaican descent. Compare his physiognomy and robust health to those of Sicilian ancestry and you can easily imagine that he might look like a dark-skinned Sicilian.

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2778

“Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, sudden death of a child under age 1 in which an autopsy does not show an explainable cause of death.”

A newborn baby or young infant dies, and medical science cannot produce a conclusive explanation. Perhaps this is where common sense and reason can be applied in order to demystify SIDS with complete certainty. Truly, the causes are as obvious as night and day.

What is quite interesting is that the same PubMed web page offers the following anecdotal evidence under the heading “Causes, incidence, and risk factors”

“SIDS rates have dropped dramatically since 1992, when parents were first told to put babies to sleep on their backs or sides to reduce the likelihood of SIDS. Unfortunately, SIDS remains a significant cause of death in infants under one year old. Thousands of babies die of SIDS in the United States each year. SIDS is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age. SIDS affects boys more often than girls. Most SIDS deaths occur in the winter.”

Because of the many mixed messages from the medical establishment concerning SIDS, many parents are often left in the dark when an infant dies and the cause of death is identified as SIDS. This label is not a very effective way of helping the parent(s) bring closure to what is always a very traumatic event in their lives.

What we hope to do with this session is bring clarity and focus, so that parent or parents-to-be are fully apprised of the realities in the life of a newborn or very young infant. 

This is what you don't want to happen in the crib.

SIDS is almost ALWAYS caused by one of two different risk factors

I. Some form of asphyxiation or carbon dioxide poisoning that is brought about by the sleeping circumstances created by the caretaker. The two major co-factors are sleeping on the stomach or being covered by the covers. Being crushed by a parent which constrains the normal breathing process has also been identified in cases where the baby sleeps with the parents.

II. Toxic chemicals outgassing from brand new bedding to include the crib, mattress, unwashed synthetic mattress covers, sheets, pillows, blankets, duvets, stuffed animals, etc. Also, a freshly painted room with brand new baby furniture and other new room furnishings which are outgassing, especially when there is insufficient ventilation in the bedroom, also contribute to the toxic air environment which can overwhelm a very delicate, sensitive and fragile newborn body.

In 1996 The British Medical Journal published a conclusive research paper under the following title:
Environment of infants during sleep and risk of the sudden infant death syndrome: results of 1993-5 case-control study for confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy

The results of this study irrefutably points to the common sense conclusions which many bereaved parents arrived at themselves. The baby simply died from asphyxiation because the covers (often a fluffy duvet) or blanket or sheet covered the head for a long enough period of time to cut off proper air flow.

The second most likely cause of SIDS, as indicated by the table of results below from the same BMJ paper, is sleeping on the stomach. Again, we see that the baby’s normal breathing can become seriously affected by this particular sleep position, especially if there is a fluffy mattress, thick duvet cover, or unnecessary pillows in a small crib.

For those who doubt these explanations, we would ask that you simply apply some common sense to this matter. Especially when there is no other obvious cause of death and the autopsy reveals relevant data pointing to asphyxiation, these two risk factors remain as the most compelling. Therefore, new parents ought to pay close attention to the regular sleeping practices and environment to avoid an unnecessary loss of a baby and/or young child.

Here’s an excellent resource for those who want to explore this subject more deeply:
Keeping Baby Safe: SIDS Risk Reduction

The infant should be placed in the crib as shown with the sheet and/or blanket tucked in well.

Indoor Air Pollution coming from various sources can also play a role

The following article portrays a state of affairs in the typical home (and bedroom), which has only gotten significantly worse since it was written in August of 1997. Clearly, the proliferation of chemicals from so many sources that are now found in a house (particularly a new house or recently finished bedroom) can contribute to an ambient air environment which can be quite taxing for a newborn.

THE GOVERNMENT’S SIDS FIBS

Here we see that wherever indoor air pollution is present in the highest concentrations, there is a higher percentage of SIDS showing up. Of course, smokers in general, as well as those who live in areas with high amounts of air pollution, are usually living at a lower socioeconomic level which also correlates with lack of education and awareness regarding newborn baby best practices. Their lives are understandably much more stressed and therefore some of these subtleties are lost while dealing with the pressures of life.

Even though the air quality risk factors are statistically lower than those associated with outright asphyxiation, they can contribute to SIDS in quite serious ways and ought to be addressed, if for no other reason than the future health of the child.

CAVEAT and Best Recommendations:
• Newborn babies and infants should never sleep on their stomachs, as so much can go wrong in this position, as we have seen with so may cases of SIDS.

• Covers, blankets, sheets, pillows, stuffies (stuffed animals shouldn’t be in the crib during sleep time), should be managed and monitored in a such way that they cannot become a cause of death.

• All bedding, linens, blankets and covers ought to be made of natural fiber and thoroughly washed two or three times before being used in a crib or small bed. Washing first with a 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar, followed by a 2nd wash with 1/4 cup of baking soda, followed by a third wash with only cold rinse water will ensure the removal of much chemical toxicity found in brand new fabric materials and is highly recommended.

The PubMed Health page also does give some very good and useful information regarding the prevention of SIDS as follows:

An Ayurvedic Perspective

It should be noted here that sleeping in the prone position (on the stomach) is strictly “prohibited” within the healing school of Ayurveda. For a number of different reasons, Ayurveda recommends that one sleep in the supine position – on their back with face up – or on the right side if this cannot be maintained for whatever reasons.
Sleeping in the prone position is considered to be very unhealthy and unwise, and will cause numerous health problems the longer one sleeps in that manner.
Sleeping on the back is the best way to sleep. Very similar to the hatha yoga asana (posture) known as shavasana, this sleeping position will promote relaxation, deep sleep, and a strong back and neck.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

How to evaluate the typical Media Health Alert:
The following article is a perfect example of where biomedical research ought to marry up with common sense.
When the blankets are covering a baby’s head at night, or the baby is sleeping on the stomach, or both are happening at the same time, carbon dioxide can build up in the system which is normally detected by a baby with normal amounts of serotonin. Furthermore:

“Serotonin normally helps babies respond to high carbon-dioxide levels during sleep by helping them wake up and shift their head position to get fresh air, says senior author Hannah Kinney of Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston.”
~ Study: Babies’ low serotonin levels cause SIDS

The point is that we first look to get fresh oxygen into the baby’s sleeping room and then perhaps the serotonin levels will go back to normal. Artificially fixing the baby’s serotonin level with synthetic hormone treatment is a medical model approach that will surely cause more problems that it addresses, yes?
Alternatively, healthy food and good nutrition, plenty of stimulation, a happy home environment, lymphatic drainage massage, etc. will help to ensure that the endocrine system is functioning properly.

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2729

However before we even go there, let’s consider some of the basic laws concerning body weight and proper calorie intake.
• There never is a quick fix unless that fix involves Ayurvedic body type dieting, regular exercise, sound sleep, refraining from eating processed junk food, avoidance of prescription drugs, among several other key lifestyle practices

• No matter what the weight loss program, lose it fast and you’re subjecting your body to a process or substance which you’ll likely regret down the road

• When you’re counting calories 24/7, there is an inordinate focus on the symptoms instead of the true causes of obesity. As long as calories reigns supreme in one’s crusade against fat, a lasting cure will remain elusive. And so it has for millions of Americans

• When the treatment involves a synthetic drug or concentrated isolate (natural or synthetic) or artificial stimulus of some other origin, there are bound to be unintended consequences which will appear the longer one takes them

• No matter what the cause of being overweight, the emotional and mental components of the dis-ease of obesity must be address if a permanent healing is to occur 

We wonder how one can exercise with so few calories for so many days in a row on the compulsory HCG diet plan?

As you can see, The Health Coach will always take the most holistic, natural, integrative approach to healing whatever ails mind,body or spirit. Toward that end, we fully recognize the scourge that obesity has become for our hopelessly digitally-connected sedentary society, as well as the urgent need for interventions. However, those interventions ought to be considered very carefully because they often do come with toxic side effects, the infliction of collateral damage to cells, tissues and organs, and other unintended consequences. Whenever those other unintended consequences alter either the endocrine or nervous systems, we usually become concerned.

With that said, what are we to make of HCG Ultra Drops? And it is only the original, authentic formulation of HCG which we will address in this coaching session?

HCG is an acronym for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a human hormone produced during pregnancy. According to Wikipedia:

“In molecular biology, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy that is made by the developing placenta after conception, and later by the placental component syncytiotrophoblast. Some cancerous tumors produce this hormone; therefore, elevated levels measured when the patient is not pregnant can lead to a cancer diagnosis. However, it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of tumorigenesis. The pituitary analog of hCG, known as luteinizing hormone (LH), is produced in the pituitary gland of males and females of all ages.”[1]

Just on the face of it, our impulse would be to proceed with this form of therapy very cautiously because it does involve a hormone. Many hormones contain very powerful chemicals, the effects of which are not thoroughly understood. Nor are the interactions of an isolate like HCG with other hormones circulating throughout the body at any given point of human development or aging.

With that said, there is no question that a sound integrative approach toward managing chronic clinical obesity might include a homeopathic dosage of hCG within a comprehensive weight loss program. Especially if that program addresses the other major co-factors which normally converge in this long term condition.

Our comments are quite guarded here because this product is relatively new and because the following statement was made at the same Wikipedia page which we assume is true.

“As of December 6, 2011, the FDA has prohibited the sale of “homeopathic” and OTC hCG diet products and declared them fraudulent and illegal.”[1]

This statement certainly does not disqualify hCG from being a potential “silver bullet” for those who really need to lose weight. It just may be the perfect antidote. However, we cannot comment on what else might be occurring in the body while it is being exposed to a regular dosage of a very unique hormone which has the following functions:

“Human chorionic gonadotropin interacts with the LHCG receptor and promotes the maintenance of the corpus luteum during the beginning of pregnancy, causing it to secrete the hormone progesterone. Progesterone enriches the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries so that it can sustain the growing fetus. Due to its highly negative charge, hCG may repel the immune cells of the mother, protecting the fetus during the first trimester. It has also been hypothesized that hCG may be a placental link for the development of local maternal immunotolerance. For example, hCG-treated endometrial cells induce an increase in T cell apoptosis (dissolution of T cells). These results suggest that hCG may be a link in the development of peritrophoblastic immune tolerance, and may facilitate the trophoblast invasion, which is known to expedite fetal development in the endometrium. It has also been suggested that hCG levels are linked to the severity of morning sickness in pregnant women
Because of its similarity to LH, hCG can also be used clinically to induce ovulation in the ovaries as well as testosterone production in the testes. As the most abundant biological source is women who are presently pregnant, some organizations collect urine from pregnant women to extract hCG for use in fertility treatment.
Human chorionic gonadotropin also plays a role in cellular differentiation/proliferation and may activate apoptosis.”[1]

Therefore, the question we would pose to any user of the authentic HCG homeopathic drop, especially women who are pregnant or of child-bearing age is: What else might be going on, as you take this hormone therapy, with the delicate hormonal balance of your body? Truly, the nine major glands of the endocrine system are the governors of the human body. When these are affected or their hormones are imbalanced, the human body can react in dramatic, profound and sometimes unknown ways.

Dropping weight too quickly is usually a red flag concerning any weight loss program.

HCG Ultra Diet Drops: Are they really a miracle ‘cure’?

Now, on to the purpose of this session. There does appear to be a growing body of anecdotal evidence which seems to support that the homeopathic drops do work. However, there are LOTS of qualifications in order.

(1) Because the formal integrative program involves several components, strict discipline ought to be exercised by those engage it.

(2) The HCG ought to be taken under the supervision of a qualified health professional because of its unknown side effects.

(3) Close self observation should be routinely employed throughout the duration of HCG use. Should any side effects be experienced, particularly those with negative impact, discontinuation of the product is highly recommended.

(4) If the desired weight is attained within a reasonable period of time, every effort ought to be made to regularly perform all the obvious lifestyle changes which will naturally allow your normal weight to be maintained.

The following three word sanskrit phrase represents the most profound Ayurvedic understanding concerning longevity, health, wellness, eating in general, proper diet and body weight. This ancient Ayurvedic prescription is the single most important advice for every form of disease and illness. We offer it here because of how relevant it is for those who forever wrestle with there weight.
Hitabhuk ~ Mitabhuk ~ Ritabhuk

“Hitabhuk: who eats only that which is beneficial, not harmful [especially what is right for the body type];
Mitabhuk: who eats never in excess; and
Ritabhuk: who eats in keeping with season (time of the year).”[1]

The following article containing this Ayurvedic wisdom also addresses some very important health matters directly related to other weight loss challenges, maintaining proper weight and overcoming obesity.

Hyper-Toxicity Syndrome: The Human Body Has Become Polluted

In closing, The Health Coach never recommends weight loss programs that promise the world and deliver nothing but additional health problems and depleted funds. An eclectic approach which utilizes the best common sense lifestyle changes is the only kind which will produce lasting results without health complications. That’s just the way the world is set up. Silver bullets always – without exception – have a downside which are often hidden, and difficult to diagnose for even the best clinicians among us.

Likewise, we always encourage our clients to be appropriate with their treatments in light of seriousness of any given medical condition or health crisis. In other words, when it’s really time to take an antibiotic, take the antibiotic. Conversely, if your condition of obesity is either life-threatening or profoundly undermining your quality of life, which it can often do, opt for the most effective methods and remedies available to bring yourself back into balance. By all means research your alternatives and stage them so that you can see their results. Most importantly, investigate the more radical approaches thoroughly on the internet before you try them.

One common procedure, that is sold as a ‘remedy’ for obesity which we would never recommend, is thoroughly explained at the following link.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: Dangerous Weight Loss Technique

There is one very obvious caveat regarding the HCG diet program, and that concerns the prolonged period of very low caloric intake. Maintaining 500 to 550 calories per day may not be appropriate for those who are hypoglycemic or diabetic or suffer from other health conditions which require more or specific types of nutrition.

What follows is a copy of the original diet plan from Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. It can be quite daunting, especially for those who suffer from nutritional deficiencies. For example, if an individual suffering from mineral depletion chooses a 500 calorie plan which lacks certain vital trace minerals, they just might create a problem for themselves.

Lastly, may we say that being overweight is no fun and we deeply empathize with so many who are ‘forever’ challenged by this condition. After retrospectively viewing so many individuals over so many years, who have been completely unsuccessful in the weight management department, we can speak with authority about what does not work. More than likely, you know the very same things that we do about so much that doesn’t work.

So, why not try a truly novel approach which includes taking full responsibility for your plight. The truly holistic approach also includes taking back your power from everything you have given it to. Taking this essential step towards wellness will then remove the main culprits in this never-ending game of calories and pounds and diet fads.

You can do it; perhaps it’s time to give it a try.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Endnotes:
[1] “Hitabhuk, Mitabhuk, Ritabhuk”: The Story or Koruk – www.indiadivine.org

[2] ARE HCG DIET DROPS SAFE?

[3] HCG Drops Aren’t Effective For Weight Loss, Experts Say

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2692

Also known as Bariatric surgery, Gastric bypass surgery (GBS) is prescribed to treat not only morbid obesity, but also Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and other so-called co-morbid conditions.

Did you get that? The same operation used to treat serious cases of morbid obesity is now used to treat sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes. Perhaps you now see how the surgical profession likes to take over any area of health where they can run a LOT of patients through their ambulatory surgery centers.

As you can see, we are not at all happy with this trend as health coaches. It represents the epitome of treating disease with a scalpel when these conditions ought to be managed with a holistic approach, natural therapies and integrative medicine. When you rearrange a vital organ like the stomach and forever alter the intestinal tract, the body is moved past a point of no return, often with serious consequences.

As is usually the case, most people who opt for bariatric surgery have no clue what they are really setting themselves up for. The surgeons, who have very little business in the weight loss industry, go to great lengths to practice non-disclosure about the unintended consequences of such an invasive and disfiguring operation.  

Here’s a little revelation from Livestrong.com:

Some Surgeons are Doing it for Money
“Gastric bypass surgery is an expensive procedure, and many people opt to pay for it out of pocket when their insurance does not cover the procedure. In some hospitals, surgeons will provide the surgery and discharge the patient without adequate screening or education prior to surgery. This can bring a lot of money in to the surgeon and the hospital; however, it can leave the patient without a complete understanding of what is required to stay healthy. Good gastric bypass surgeons will have a multidisciplinary team including a psychotherapist, registered dietitian, exercise specialist and nurse who is involved in screening and education both before and after the surgery.”

There are numerous potential risks and complications of gastric bypass surgery which ought to be pointed out to every ‘candidate’ for this procedure. Some of the following medical complications are quite serious, others may seem to be not so grave; nevertheless, all of them should be carefully considered when both patient and doctor discuss such a RADICAL approach to weight loss.

Potential concerns and risks of gastric bypass

• A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. The results can be unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea. Some patients actually view this as a positive mechanism that prevents them from reverting back to unhealthy eating habits.
• Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.
• The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
• Dehiscence (separation of tissue that was stitched or stapled together)
• Leaks from staple lines
• Ulcers
• Increased gas[1]

Likewise, there are some very serious risks associated with bariatric surgery as follows:

Bariatric surgery risks

• Abdominal hernia
• Chest pain
• Collapsed lung
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Enlarged heart
• Gallstones, pain from passing a gallstone, inflammation of the gallbladder, or surgery to remove the gallbladder
• Gastrointestinal inflammation or swelling
• Stoma obstruction
• Stretching of the stomach
• Surgical procedure repeated
• Vomiting and nausea [1]

Lastly, we are compelled to share the well-known medical risks and dangers which can occur during and after any surgery that is performed within or near the greater abdominal area.

Risks associated with abdominal surgery

• Bleeding
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Death
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Injury to stomach, esophagus, or surrounding organs
• Infection
• Pain
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Shoulder pain
• Stroke or heart attack[1]

The stomach is permanently changed as is part of the intestinal tract

Why would anyone want to alter their physiology – forever – to address a physical problem that clearly has its roots in issues that can be dealt with quite effectively in other safe, practical and enduring ways?

Here is how the stomach and intestinal areas are impacted by this deforming procedure. What follows is a diagram of the most common re-arrangement of the GI tract after the surgical techniques known as Roux-en-Y is employed.

Here’s another comparative perspective which highlights the true changes that are made.

Here is one more comparative diagram of two different procedures for additional perspective.

Is this what the physicians are showing their surgical candidates?

Here’s another alternative procedure to the most common surgical technique, known as Roux-en-Y.

Pictures do speak a thousand words, don’t they? You can literally see just how much of the stomach is bypassed with this operation, as well as the duodenum. Both are practically taken out of the mix as far as digestion is concerned. What then occurs when all the necessary digestive processes in both the stomach and duodenum are completely avoided.

Do not HCL and other gastric secretions serve an important function in the proper digestion of our food and beverage?

Does the duodenum not have purpose beyond just being a mechanical conduit?

These, and many other common sense questions, ought to be posed to every surgeon who attempts to sell this extraordinarily misguided surgery. In the absence of full disclosure about the inherent dangers of this surgical procedure, a candidate is placed at great risk post operatively. They also become vulnerable to a whole host of other serious health problems down the road. As an example, the following article, which recently appeared in the mainstream media, points out yet another risk asociated with this ill-advised surgical procedure.
Weight-Loss Surgery Increases Risk of Alcohol Addiction

Conclusion:
If obesity or diabetes or sleep apnea or hypertension is the health challenge of the day, why not first try to explore those alternatives which address the true causes. Invasive procedures should only be considered as a very last resort, if even then based on the true cost/benefit ratio.

Typically, there are almost always unintended consequences, collateral damage and toxic side effects associated with medical approaches that involve unnecessary surgery, drug therapies, and radiation. It’s very easy to research the drawbacks on the internet by way of support groups and alternative health websites.

Why not engage those health professionals who can steer you in a more wholesome and sound direction. You just may save a lot of time and money, as well as avoid much unnecessary pain and suffering, by pursuing the path of holistic health.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Endnotes:
[1] “Risks and Complications – Gastric Bypass Surgery” @ www.realize.com

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2627

You see, like many of these New Millennium Maladies, Lyme disease (LD) can show up with a number of different symptoms, depending on the many different co-factors involved and which precise microbial cocktail* happens to be the one which found a nice ‘home’ in the conducive bio-terrain.

*A microbial cocktail refers to the multiple pathogenic micro-organisms which constitute a syndrome like Lyme disease, each triggering particular phases of the disease process. These ‘cocktails’ often contain various components such a bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite and mycoplasma and can occur in various combinations.
For example, Lyme disease is known to have the following multiple infections co-existing at one time, or manifesting over the evolution of the syndrome. It’s important to note that all of these pathogenic micro-organisms may be present in the same individual; likewise, only the Lyme borreliosis may be found for one who suffers from Lyme disease. Each case of LD is different and will often present symptoms which are both similar to and diverging from the established LD clinical profile.

1) “Lyme borreliosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is the main cause of Lyme disease in North America, whereas Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii cause most European cases.”
(Per Wikipedia.org)

2) “Bartonella – The Gram-negative bacterial genus Bartonella currently comprises roughly two dozen identified species, about half of which are known to infect humans. The evidence for ticks as vectors of Bartonella organisms is circumstantial but fairly strong. Recent studies in both the United States and Europe have found that Ixodes ticks harbor B. henselae in addition to Borrelia, Babesia and Anaplasma organisms.”
(Per columbia-lyme.org)

3) “Babesiosis is an infection caused by a malaria-like parasite, also called a “piroplasm,” that infects red blood cells. Babesia microti is believed to be the most common piroplasm infecting humans, but scientists have identified over twenty piroplasms carried by ticks.”
(Per lymedisease.org)

4) “Ehrlichia are small, gram-negative bacteria, round or ellipsoidal in shape. They preferentially invade mononuclear phagocytes, such as monocytes and macrophages, and in some cases neutrophils. In all of these cell types they occupy cytoplasmic vacuoles, usually in bacterial microcolonies known as morulae. Ehrlichia cycle in nature between ticks and mammals, and can cause disease in many mammalian species.”
(Per columbia-lyme.org)

5) “Klebsiella is the genus name for a bacterium that is found in the intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts of our body. Klebsiella pneumoniae belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family of bacteria. It is rod shaped, non-motile, and a gram negative bacterium. The bacterium has a polysaccharide capsule that encloses it; this makes the treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae extremely difficult, since, the capsule provides the bacteria with resistance to most anti-biotics.”
(Per www.klebsiellapneumoniae.org)

6) Mycoplasma fermentans – “Mycloplasma Fermentans is a common co-infection with Lyme Disease. Over 95% of people with Lyme disease are infected with other diseases at the same time as they are infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. These coinfections complicate the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease. A useful co-infection symptom chart is available to compare the various co-infections – you can view it here ––>
http://www.lyme-symptoms.com/LymeCoinfectionChart.html.”
(Per Lyme Disease Association of Australia)

For anyone who has been medically diagnosed with Lyme disease, it’s very important to understand this critical aspect. That the micro-organism profiles of Lyme disease can differ appreciably, just as the symptoms can vary widely. Likewise, that the numerous co-factors can also be different when comparing the histories of those infected. Therefore, the treatment plan must take into the consideration these two significant issues if the individual is to experience a cure. More than any other MIS, Lyme seems to be the one where one shoe certainly does not fit everyone.

Bullseye Lyme Disease rash which can occur during the initial stages of infection

If you have decided to treat your case Lyme disease on your own, focusing on holistic methods, then please be aware that there are certain ways to address this MIS which can only assist in your FULL recovery, regardless of the mix of pathogens present or operative risk factors. What follows is a general blueprint which anyone can use with great effect. Doing so, however, does require two thing in particular: (i) keen observation of your own body, lifestyle and contribution to the disease process (ii) taking full responsibility for both the state you find yourself in, as well as for your healing process all the way back wholeness.

Multi-Infection Syndromes: Scourge Of The New Millennium  

For those who have opted for this approach, we have listed below some essential points about all Multi-Infection Syndromes, which you ought to know at the outset. Being cognizant of these common denominators will assist you in paving your own unique road to a full recovery. As follows:

All you really need to know is that this entire disease process [Lyme disease] can easily be mapped out by those who have the right knowledge. The step-by-step breakdown is as follows:

(1) Toxic contamination of the local environment in the body occurs under the radar for an extended period of time

(2) Pathogenic micro-organisms pile on one after another in the same area over years of neglect and assume a subclinical profile

(3) The localized site evolves into a full-blown breeding ground, experiencing more toxic accumulation and unaddressed infection before becoming systemic

(4) A co-infection then often develops into an intractable multi-infection syndrome which may include bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitical or mycoplasma components

(5) What started out as a single toxicity in a signature point morphs into a systemic multi-infection syndrome caused by “hypertoxicity”

(6) Numerous other co-factors conspire to ensure that the syndrome moves in the wrong direction as the key risk factors elude identification

(7) Until the greatest risk factors are properly identified and addressed the individual sits (or sleeps) in a limbo of sorts until they get really sick and tire of being sick and tired.

(8) AIDS, CFS, ALS, MS, Morgellons, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Lyme, Duchenne MD, Huntington’s disease, etc. are examples of multi-infection syndrome

(9) Many of these syndromes can and do co-exist in the same body, and therefore can elude diagnosis because so much is going on

(10) Once the body is accurately mapped out on both sides of the fence – toxins and pathogens – getting back to the destination of wellness is made easier

Each of these named diseases possesses a similar set of toxic accumulations in the body, as well as similar “microbial cocktails” which inhabit the polluted and vulnerable tissues and/or organs. Therefore it is easy to confirm exactly what you might suffer from, IF you do your homework.

To read more on this perspective, please go to the article linked below:
Multi-Infection Syndromes: Scourge Of The New Millennium

We also highly recommend that every person who had contracted the Lyme disease infection read the following page from the National Library of Medicine. Especially with Lyme, it is important to become acquainted with every aspect of the illness and each stage of its development. The more in tune one is with their body’s response, the more appropriate the chosen measures will become to effectively address the symptoms, as well as the root causes. And, yes, there is more than the one root cause we have all recognized as the bacterium spirochete known as Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lyme disease: Borreliosis; (aka Bannwarth syndrome)

LymeNet Europe has posted a very nice paper, as seen at the link below, on Lyme disease which every sufferer ought to read. Particularly for those who have eschewed the medical interventions, we might point out that, especially during the earlier stages of infection (immediately after an offending tick bite), Lyme can respond quite well to the appropriate antibiotic regimes. This is a classic case of where an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Once this disease process develops past a critical point of evolution, it clearly becomes more difficult to cure. And the symptoms will often exacerbate to the point where one wishes they had taken whatever preemptive measures were appropriate at the time.

Ixodes scapularis (deer tick) is responsible for the spread of the Lyme spirochete.

Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of Lyme disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

We here at The Health Coach avoid pharmaceutical medications whenever possible. However, there are many times when an antibiotic is exactly what is needed. There are instances where infected individuals have successfully rid themselves of the primary Lyme pathogen and spirochete – Borrelia burgdorferi – by taking the indicated antibiotic prophylaxis. The previously referenced research paper makes a strong case for prescribing antibiotic treatment as quickly as possible after experiencing a deer tick bite from Ixodes scapularis, especially when the bite occurs in those geographic locations which have demonstrated a high density of Lyme disease infection.

We focus on this preventive approach, because of all the conflicting biomedical research studies which have been published over the past two decades or so. When this is the case, anecdotal evidence reigns supreme, so the years of feedback and input tell us that this pre-emptive measure ought to be seriously considered, especially by those with weakened immune systems and physical profiles which reveal much chronic illness.

Lyme disease, at its core, is a HUGE wakeup call.

Lyme disease, at its core, is a HUGE wakeup call. It’s all about waking us up to profound issues regarding our habits and addictions, workstyle and playstyle, emotional comportment and mental disposition. Since most who have contracted a form of this disease have similar issues, it is highly advised that an online support group be considered. Especially when support is not forthcoming from family and friends due to lack of understanding or compassion. Shared experience in this regard can be immensely helpful in ferreting out what works and doesn’t work, throughout what is often a lengthy remediation process.

Dr. Garth Nicholson was one of the very first biomedical researchers to publicly acknowledge the existence of Gulf War Syndrome back in the 1990s. Likewise, he has been way ahead of the learning curve concerning all aspects of Lyme disease. The following link takes you to an edition of Public Health Alert which features an important article written by Dr. Nicholson.

Mycoplasma – Often Overlooked In Chronic Lyme Disease

The following link teases out in much greater detail the various co-infections which can be confused with Lyme disease. This website also delineates the specific symptoms for each co-infection for those who suspect that they have a Lyme-like disease, bit lack many of the classic symptoms. For example, the mycoplasma variant described above is included in this co-infection list.

Co-infection symptoms & Lyme disease symptoms

This is the first in a series of coaching sessions on Multi-Infection Syndromes like Lyme disease. The next installment will present a very proactive approach for those who want to go way beyond eradicating just the presence of Lyme … all the way to robust health and sustained wellness.

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Health Alert:

Lyme Disease Risk Map

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2606

The headline below speaks directly to two different health concerns which are becoming more pervasive and serious by the day.

Smartphone users ‘risking health’ with overuse of devices

Those two health problems are posture and addiction.

If you use a smartphone, consider for a moment your posture when you’re focused on the small keypad. Think about how often you assume this posture. And then contemplate that this may be your predominant posture toward life … toward the world … toward your job.

The longer we maintain an ergonomically incorrect posture, the quicker the body will react with some form of compensation. Usually that means either neck pain or back pain. And usually we fail to make the connection because who would relate the overuse of a smartphone, tablet and laptop to a lower back pain. Like we said, compensation —> wherever it decides to show up in your body.  

Smartphones come in all shapes and sizes these days and with all sorts of bells and whistles. However they all share the same feature in that they are highly portable. Which means they’re small. Which means the screen and keypads are quite small relative to a regular desktop computer screen. This is another reason why so many have become “screen slaves”. In the aforementioned article, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Great Britain has offered the following observation:

“It says people have become “screen slaves” and are often working while commuting or after they get home.”

So profoundly has the smartphone affected society that now many have literally become slaves to a technology which can wreak havoc with so many aspects of the physical body.

The EMR output of these devices is of particular concern. The more powerful that smartphones become, the more electromagnetic radiation goes into the head. Especially for those who are connected for an inordinate period of time do we see many of the symptoms associated with EMR poisoning. What are those symptoms?
• brain fog
• chronic fatigue
• eye strain
• memory lapse
• sleep disturbances
• depression
• energy drained
• inability to focus
• scattered thought process
• ADD & ADHD

When the National Library of Medicine weighs in on the matter, you know that there has been an emerging health crisis in the making. As follows:

Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults

The young are picking up the smartphones at even earlier ages

What does it mean when one’s childhood playing in the woods or on the soccer field is instead spent married to a smartphone or ipad?

Such a predicament of growing up in 2012 translates to many serious health conditions at earlier ages. It also means the lost opportunity of having a ‘normal’ childhood, if such a thing even exists anymore. One childhood is history, it’s gone and therefore many unique opportunities that only exist for the young have forever slipped away. By allowing our children to grow up in such a natureless vacuum and technological cocoon, we all but guarantee their stunted development across many important aspects of real life and other practical disciplines.

By turning them into screen slaves so early in life, we also guarantee a life of ailments, both physical and mental in nature. Emotional development is also sure to suffer as we see it all about in today’s society. Severe psychological conditioning on a virtual and subliminal level also creates a set of very serious social problems. The kids relate to technology, not each other. The language becomes a string of soundbites, not expressions of heartfelt emotion and rational thought.

This aspect of the information age is particularly concerning because of how it has dulled the conscience of the entire civilization. Social graces are practically non-existent. Real community has disintegrated, Constructive dialogue is missing when it is needed the most. Yes, we are all much more aware of the problems, but the solutions remain elusive because it is always mediated by the prevailing technologies of the Information Age.

Do you really want a Smartphone next to your head so often?

The most serious health crisis in store for the younger generations, who are wedded to this information technology, will occur in a manner that is both subclinical and elusive. The still-developing brain is being exposed to powerful radiation from a device that is a receiver vis-a-vis a cellphone tower. Perhaps most do not truly understand what this means, especially when the entire head is now acting as a receiver of sorts. If you happen to adorn yourself with a lot of metal jewelry, or have numerous metal tooth fillings (or metal implants) or wear metal frame glasses, you are ramping up the effects of that EMR output. Not a pretty picture as the one above attempts to dramatize.

As computing technology becomes more advanced and compressed, we are seeing much more capacity shrunk into smaller spaces. Therefore, the smartphone of today possesses an enormous amount of power and capability. That capability does not come without more energy being routed through the device. Particularly when the phone is used against the ear does this cause major problems. Likewise, using laptops on one’s lap or ipads cradled by the arms certainly sets one up for a steady dose of harmful EMR output.

Simply put the human body has it’s own bio-electrical field that is being short-circuited every time these devises are introduced into the bio-field. Naturally the closer to the body, the longer the duration of exposure, the more intense the EMR output, the more injury to the impacted tissues will occur. In case you are unaware of some of the science, here are a couple of links which might edify.

Cell Phones & Smartphones: AVOID The EMR Output!

In the event that you suffer from chronic insomnia, as so many smartphone users do, the following article will shed further light on the matter.

Chronic Insomnia: Turn Your Bedroom Into A Cocoon

Now we know that many will resist this guidance.

In fact many are completely addicted to their technology. Stone-cold addicts of the first order. And there’s no changing their techstyle in this lifetime. In these cases we strongly recommend implementing any measure that can substantially mitigate any of the problems described herein. For instance, utilizing Bluetooth is far preferable to no wireless technology in the context of all cell phone and smartphone usage. It’s way, way better for the body to use Bluetooth whenever possible.

There are also a variety of EMR reduction chips on the market which are said to appreciably decrease the exposure. These do come in many shapes and sizes so we do advise caution in that you want to make darn sure that the chip is doing exactly what they say it does, yes? Don’t accept any of the claims at face value. And do triple due diligence on any and all products/technology which you might consider. Especially the more addicted you are to this smartphone.

Lastly, for those who know they suffer from an addiction, as intimated in the leadoff article, you might want to consider the following two health coaching sessions. Each of these conveys critical perspective on overcoming the challenges, particularly for those who have broken through the denial phase.

Are Your Addictions Getting The Best Of You?

Overcoming Our Addictions

In closing we leave you with a picture that is worth a thousand … no, ten thousand words! Please click on this thermographic image to enlarge so that the descriptions can be properly read.

Need we write any thing else on this subject?!

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All information contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall health status and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2595

Fecal Matter Hiding in Hotel Rooms

What this article highlights is a status quo in the hospitality industry that is not too different than the homes of the great majority of Americans. We have all known for years that hotels and motels, restaurants and bars are quite unsanitary and unhygienic. The truth be told, these establishments are shockingly filthy and unsafe from a strictly hygiene standpoint.

Referring to the article above, it is clear that it is impossible for these food and accommodation businesses to maintain a truly clean and hygienic environment. Absolutely impossible in this day and age! Therefore, one ought to approach them with this accurate understanding.

Where are we going with this? 

If you are ill with acute or chronic symptoms, or are have any one of the New Millennium Maladies, then extra special precautions ought to be taken when visiting a restaurant or staying at a hotel. Particularly when staying at a hotel for an extended period, would one want to take precautionary measures before setting up your ‘temporary home’ at the hotel and/or motel.

For starters, you really do not know the cleaning practices of the maids in any given hotel. However, you can probably imagine that their daily routine has many holes in it from a strictly hygiene perspective. Therefore, you can assume that a quick disinfecting of the most sensitive areas of the room ought be performed.

We bring our own small supply of cleaning supplies when we travel. At a minimum, distilled white vinegar and ethanol (or grain alcohol) should be brought on every trip away from home.

Consider for a moment the true condition of just the handles in a typical hotel room. The faucet handles in the bathroom, the toilet handle, the bathroom door handles. These may be rarely cleaned and are primary vectors for disease transmission and fecal contamination.

Even though they look hygienic, much lurks on the superficially clean surfaces in every hotel bathroom.

Even though they look hygienic, much lurks on the superficially clean surfaces in every hotel bathroom.

Throughout the entire hotel industry, business moves very, very fast, 365 days a year with little quality time to give the rooms and other guest areas a truly serious and PROPER cleaning. Same goes for the restaurant industry. Who hasn’t witnessed the condition of a fast food bathroom? We, here at The Health Coach, have frequently seen workers use the bathroom without practicing proper hygiene methods. They’re usually running to get back to the job.

The aforementioned article focused on the location of fecal matter on surfaces where it ought not to be. As follows:

“Researchers from the University of Houston swabbed 19 hotel room hideouts, from door handles to headboards, and found the fecal bacterium E. coli hiding on 81 percent of the surfaces, including the remote control, the telephone and the bedside lamp.”

Now consider what happens while you’re eating in your room while manipulating the remote control or telephone as you eat. Clearly, there are very good reasons to run some alcohol over any surface which your hand goes to over the course of your stay, yes?

“The maid cart may be a villain”

Now consider that hotels and restaurants re-use their cleaning tools and implements over and over again without changing. First to save money; second to save time. Here again the referenced article points out the following reality in most hospitality establishments around the entire world.

“The maid cart may be a villain, and not the hero in the fight against contamination, according to the study, which found bacteria blooming on mops and sponges used to clean rooms.”

The thought that the very same sponge that is used to clean the toilet is also used to clean the sink and faucet is quite revolting, but it is also the standard practice. Is this how you clean your home bathroom and kitchen? If so, your home is no cleaner that a hotel or restaurant. Which is precisely the point of this little health coaching ‘lecture’.

What goes on in the kitchen in most homes often determines the overall health of the residents. Dirty kitchen, unclean body. No way around it. If you use the same sponge without changing, the same mophead or the same rags and towels way beyond their hygienic life, you create vectors for contamination that self perpetuate.

Even if your kitchen does not look like the one pictured above, you might want to perform an audit of all the key areas. The sink, stovetop and chopping counters are particularly vulnerable to contamination. As are the refrigerator, meal table and breakfast bar.

What are the regular home hygiene practices that effectively address these matters?

There are many, of course, and all of them appeal to common sense. Proper and frequent hand-washing with the right soaps is the number one deterrent to disease transmission within the home. Since the bathroom and kitchen are the two primary sites of what can and often does go wrong in this department, one needs to be thoughtful about why and when to wash with warm water, effective but nontoxic soap, and for a time period that will sufficiently remove the germs or other offending material.

Obviously using a clean, fresh towel is also important, since even a wet towel can become a vector of contamination very quickly when overused by several people. There are many other tips and suggestions which one can make in this process of maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen and bathroom, but that does not mean that the other rooms in the home do not need adequate attention as well.

What follows are two articles which focus on neglected areas in every house, which can contribute to an assortment of health conditions if not addressed appropriately.

HVAC Systems: Is Yours Contaminating Your Home?

Fiberglass Insulation: Extremely Hazardous To Your Health!

In closing, we would like to provide a link for those who might doubt the prominent role of cleanliness and hygienic practices in preventing illness, especially in the bathroom. If this video presentation doesn’t make a believer out of them ….

Flu can be spread by Toilet Flushing

Also, below is an article that underscores the importance of always flushing the toilet with the toilet lid down. It may sound like common sense, but it is often neglected and is the source for much bacterial contamination throughout a bathroom. If this single practice by the entire household were strictly adhered to, the vectors for disease dissemination would be reduced significantly. It is also highly recommended that the toilet lid always be down when not in use.

Flushing Can Spread Diarrhea Disease

Now you know why the outhouse was completely detached and away from the house. And we think we’re more civilized than those who took a walk to the outhouse in the days of old.

OUTHOUSE

May you enjoy great health,
The Health Coach

Health Disclaimer:
All content found at The Health Coach is for information purposes only. Therefore, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be construed as either medical diagnosis or treatment. All recommendations contained herein ought to be considered within the context of an individual’s overall level of voluntary or necessary health care and prescribed treatment plan.
Since The Health Coach does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or heal any type of disease or medical condition, the information contained at this website is not intended to provide specific physical, mental, emotional or psychological health advice. We are not licensed medical professionals and conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with those who offer information for the consideration of the reader.
It is entirely the reader’s decision to act or not act on any information at The Health Coach. Therefore, we fully invoke the HOLD HARMLESS clause for those who are responsible for putting any of this information into practical use and application.

© 2012 The Health Coach

Permission is granted to post this health blog as long as it is linked back to the following url: http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=2570