Fabulous Friday in February

This is the last day in February which means several things-

1) Tomorrow I will draw for the contents of this gift basket, to be given to one person who left a comment on my blog in February. So... today is your last chance to comment and possibly win these fun prizes.

2) I am also giving away a Balance Complete protein powder (meal replacement, valued at $65) to one person who has registered and paid for our Exceptional Expectations Young Living conference to be held Saturday, April 5. You can learn more about the conference and register by clicking here.
Young Living distributors are $35 and guests are free. This prize is being given to one person who registers early, before March 1, so register today!

3) A woman in Pittsburgh asked me to share with all of you a unique opportunity to get a variety of seeds without having to buy a lot of packets and spend a considerable amount of money. Here is her description:

Share seeds of 30 vegetables! The best of vegetables -- kale and spinach -- are among those being offered as "seeds" in several seed sharing events in Moon Township library (March 8), Squirrel Hill private home (March 15) and Sewickley Library (April 12). Hundreds of seeds per participant. Save a spot and get details from Mary Beth at mbthakar@yahoo.com.

Now that my announcements are complete, what's on your mind on this fabulous Friday at the end of February?

Don't forget: Last day in February you can leave a comment on my blog.

Brain Washing for Success

I have had the incredible blessing of discovering the words and teachings of many great leaders lately and the message they share is literally washing my brain.  Some of the teachings are familiar and reflect messages given in the old and new testaments in the Bible, the thoughts of world leaders and saints in days of old.

The primary challenge in the words I am reading is to believe that life is good, beauty is all around, and I am capable of any challenge that I set my mind to, especially if it is something that I am truly passionate about and it dovetails with my life's purpose.

I can be inspired by others who attain greatness, victory and success whether it be athletes during the Olympic games, business leaders or world leaders commanding the respect of nations, or seemingly ordinary people who rise up to champion kindness, caring and service in their corner of the world.

I might think, "What can I do, I am only one person?" Then I think of Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandi or even Hitler. Each of these people began with small steps, but followed their vision or dream for the future with dramatic results. Look at any great discovery, victory or movement and you will most likely find one individual who stands out as being instrumental in leading the charge, so to speak.

I know that often I have been comfortable living an existence of "ordinary". I have not always challenged myself to stretch my knowledge, build my skill or go outside of myself to impact the lives of others. Often I have acted as a coward, happily focused on my own small needs and desires, and content to disappear into my home and leave the world outside.

Some quotes that have been stirring my heart and challenging my thoughts:

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it."  Michelangelo

"To achieve something you have never achieved before you must become someone you have never been."  Les Brown 

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."  Thomas Jefferson 

Each day we have a choice, to embrace the positive, the life giving and the beautiful or to allow the negative, limiting and ugly to overwhelm us. There is a world of resources available to us; words of great men and women who have gone before us. You can fill your mind with thoughts of hope, optimism, courage, wisdom, and make each day a wonderful adventure.

What have you read recently that has blessed, stretched or washed your brain?

Leave a comment and your name will be put into a drawing for a gift basket of goodies. The winner's name will be drawn on March 1 from all February comments.

Therapeutic Fasting is Healing

March 5 will begin the season of Lent or the 40 days, a time when we traditionally fast, abstain and desire to grow in holiness. Did you know that in addition to the spiritual benefits of self-denial,

fasting can also be physically therapeutic?

In Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, Fasting and Eating for Health, he states, "Therapeutic fasting accelerates the healing process and allows the body to recover from serious disease in a dramatically short period of time." He then lists a host of illnesses and chronic conditions that he has seen fasting improve.

Dr. Fuhrman also shares testimonies and stories from those who have undergone a therapeutic fast and he gives clear, scientific explanations for fasting and for adopting a predominately plant based diet. "We have today a society of overfed people, poisoning themselves with high-fat, high-protein, highly refined foods." Dr. Fuhrman believes that the western diet has led to our continued rise in obesity, cancer, heart disease and many other illnesses.

He gives guidelines for a total fast, with water only, but encourages physician supervision from someone familiar with and supportive of fasting. "Fasting, as a therapeutic modality, is safe, effective, and a true health care bargain." Let's face it, you can't complain that fasting is too expensive!

Maybe you don't think you're ready for a total fast. There are other things you could consider doing.

If you eat a fair amount of processed food, why not decide that you will eliminate anything from a box or a can for a week or two. Make a decision to skip one meal and drink more water. Refrain from eating dessert except for once a week. Give up the coffee, soda (diet or regular) or energy drinks and substitute water or green smoothies instead. There are many ways to fast and make positive changes in your diet at the same time.

Keep in mind that the first few days on any fast or diet change is going to be a bit difficult. Your body chemistry is adjusting, toxins are being released and food cravings aren't going without a fight. You may experience detox symptoms which can involve headache or muscle aches, slight fever or bowel issues. Hang in there and your sacrifice can be offered up for others, and bless you as well.

Have you done a fast in the past? Do you have a favorite one?

Don't forget to leave a comment before March 1 so your name will be in the drawing for a gift basket of healthy goodies. One entry per comment or reposting elsewhere and letting me know. You just might win!

Blended Soups for a Change

Have you ever tried a blended soup? They are like a green smoothie but without the fruit, so they are lower in sugar and have different benefits.

Recently, I tried an Alkalizing Soup, Creamy Cucumber Avocado. It is made with ingredients, especially cilantro, that are good for detoxing metals from the body. A second blended soup is a hearty soup for dinner, Tortilla Soup, adapted from Blendtec's website.  Give these a try and tell me what you think.


Creamy Cucumber Avocado Soup
2 organic cucumbers
2 ripe avocados (without the pit)
1 jalapeno pepper (remove seeds)
1 green onion
1/2 lime (without rind)
1 bunch of cilantro with stems
1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Garnish with chopped cilantro and pine nuts
Blend on high speed until smooth. Can be served cold or warm (blend longer to heat).



Tortilla Soup
2 Roma tomatoes, quartered
1/2 large carrot
1/2 red pepper
1/4 avocado
2 tbsp onion
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack  or cheddar cheese (optional)
small bunch of fresh cilantro
1 tsp 21 seasoning salute (Trader Joe)
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic
2 cups water
1/2 cup tortilla chips
Blend all ingredients, except tortilla chips, until smooth and warm. You can add the tortilla chips and optional ingredients and pulse 2-3 times to chop slightly or just leave as pieces. 
Optional: 1/2 cup black beans, cooked chicken pieces, corn kernels

Do you have a favorite healthy blended soup recipe?

Appreciate the Masterpiece of You

Watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics causes me to reflect on the variety of life, of different cultures, customs, traditions, and experiences. There is a richness in the world all around us. There is much to appreciate, to learn about, to be grateful for. Life is full of masterpieces, of human creations or natural wonders.

I started the day with a short walk and appreciated unique birds, lizards and flowers.

Later in the day, I was able to enjoy the creations of artists at an art festival involving chalk creations that were simply amazing.

 All this does not compare, however, to the creation that is you. Whether you are an artist, an olympic athlete or someone less famous, you are not an "ordinary" person. There is nothing "ordinary" about you! You are a masterpiece, one of a kind, created in the image of our heavenly Father. You have much to offer in gifts, talents, and skills. Take time to appreciate yourself and your contribution to the lives of those who know you.

We are the Champions!

During these Olympic games, I thought you might enjoy a fun photo of Jackie Joyner Kersee and myself. She was the motivational speaker at a conference I attended several years ago. This photo reminds me that we can all be champions with the gifts that God has given us. We can experience success, if we will be disciplined, consistent and stretch ourselves to reach our goals.

Today is your day to share. What natural health tips and ideas are you learning? What have you tried and gotten good results with?

This is your day to talk about whatever is on your mind. So what shall we talk about?

Resisting the Truth

Why is it that we so often resist the truth when it is right in front of us? Why do we neglect to do things that would be easy to do and beneficial for us?

I love what Jim Rohn had to say about good healthy habits. "An apple a day..." We all know the end of that phrase, "keeps the doctor away." As Jim likes to ask, "What if that was true? It would be so easy to do. But it is also easy not to do." It seems too simple.

I have been sharing essential oils and nutritional healing with many wonderful people. Some have been trying to make healthier choices already and are eager to hear what I have to share. Others are experiencing painful or frustrating health challenges and want something that might help. Others dismiss the idea that oils could be beneficial without giving it a second thought.

What if rubbing a therapeutic essential oil on a joint or back could bring pain relief? It is so easy to do. I guess it is also easy not to do. It seems too simple. What if drinking NingXia Red juice could boost your immune system, lower inflammation and decrease arthritis? Would you try it? There is research available all over the internet. Testimonies abound, and every day I learn of people who have reversed serious illness or eliminated pain. Personally, I have not taken even an aspirin in over 4 years. I haven't needed too. Young Living oils have worked wonderfully for me.

I have always been one to distrust claims that seem too good to be true. Yet every day I am amazed at how well the oils and supplements of Young Living have worked for my life and those I know. I understand people's hesitation, yet I ask, "What if half of everything I am sharing is true, would you try it?" What do you have to lose?

Remember that every comment you leave on my blog before March 1 will enter you into the drawing for my basket of healthy goodies. Leave as many comments as you like and let me know if you repost or share this on your social media sites as that will get you an extra entry.

Getting My Vitamin D

It is hard to believe that there can be sunshine and warmth in one part of the United States while the rest of the country seems to be bombarded with snow and ice. Having arrived in Florida yesterday, and sitting in a warm breeze as I write this, my mind is still trying to adjust to the fact that it is still winter.

Sitting in the sun yesterday for an hour, I could feel my battery regenerating. Maybe this was really my vitamin D levels going up.Typically in the winter months, my vitamin D levels have plummeted and I have had a lack of energy, depressed mood and difficulty staying warm.

This year, I decided to take vitamin D supplements more regularly and I have really seen a difference. I am not as cold, my thyroid is functioning better (vitamin D contributes to a healthy thyroid), and I don't seem to have the seasonal affective symptoms such as lower energy and depressed mood. I have been taking Young Living's OmegaGize supplement which has Omega 3 (fish oil), Vitamin D and CoQ10.

It seems vitamin D is a key nutrient for preventing cancer, absorption of other nutrients, thyroid balance and more. The best way to get vitamin D is by being in the sun, as the body will create the perfect amounts of this vitamin and necessary counterparts needed in the body, like vitamin K2. Dr. Mercola recommends safe tanning beds as a second alternative and if neither of these is possible, then he will suggest oral consumption of vitamin D. See his in-depth article on this subject.

Exposing 40% of our skin to the sun for 10-20 minutes a day is the recommended amount. That's fine while I'm in Florida, but is not so easy in the north when the only skin showing is my face and the sun is not visible for days on end. This is when an oral supplement can make a huge difference, but apparently you want to balance vitamin D with K2 for absorption and proper use by the body. Again, Dr. Mercola tackles this topic clearly and thoroughly on his website.

Have you discovered any good resources on this topic? Anything you've found to be helpful? Do tell.

Pudding, Snacks and Salad, Oh My

Tonight was our twice a month healthy living meeting, and this meeting was packed with tips on nutritionally powerful foods and how to use them.

We talked about a dehydrated black tree fungus called compressed auricula, which swells to ten times its compressed size when soaked in water and is great for lowering cholesterol.

We explored the differences between raw and processed honey, the origins and benefits of manuka honey and where to purchase them. According to WebMD,  "Some kinds of honey may be 100 times more potent than others."

We tried some delicious natural foods, including a power packed smoothie, some apple ginger water kefir, kale chips, goji balls, chocolate chia pudding, and a red cabbage salad. I agreed to post the recipes for a few of them here on the blog tonight. Get ready to enjoy some real treats.

Healthy Raw Goji Balls
Goji berries, like wolfberries, are nutritional powerhouses and high in antioxidants. These balls were easy to transport and delicious!
1 cup dried goji berries
1 cup nuts (almonds or cashews)
1 cup dates
1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
Place ingredients in food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. These can then be rolled into 1/2 - 1 inch balls or pressed into a pan for bars. 
Variations: Add 1 Tbsp coconut oil, 1/4 cup pumpkin or other seeds, 2 Tbsp shredded coconut, 1 tsp spirulina, dash of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking spices, 2-4 drops of your favorite essential oil. Add more coconut oil if needed to hold together.

Chocolate Chia Pudding
I try to use all raw, organic ingredients. Chia and hemp seeds are high in protein and are excellent for colon cleansing. Raw cacao powder has one of the highest levels of iron, magnesium, manganese and is considered a superfood.
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp hemp seeds
2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp vanilla powder
3/4 to 1 cup almond/coconut milk (depending on desired thickness)
2 Tbsp raw agave nectar
2 Tbsp chopped nuts (pecans, almonds or hazelnuts)
2 Tbsp chopped dried unsweetened cherries
Mix the seeds and powders together to blend. Add liquid and stir with a whisk until all lumps of powder are broken up and incorporated into the liquid. Stir every two to three minutes for 10 minutes to keep the seeds from clumping as they become gelatinous. Add nuts and cherries and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until thickened.

Simple Red Cabbage Salad
Red cabbage is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and contains two substances known to fight cancer.  Walnuts are high in omega-3. An apple a day...doesn't hurt either. 
1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
1 fuji or gala apple, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 lemon, juiced
dash of celtic sea salt
Combine all ingredients until mixed thoroughly. Add more lemon juice if too dry. Let sit in refrigerator for an hour to combine flavors.

Loved to the Core of Me

Every day I am amazed at all the new things I am learning about the human body, about the energy and frequency of the body, how systems of the body interact, the foods that heal, and the miraculous ways that our body operates and interacts with the world around us.

The body is not an end in itself, in fact one day it will turn to dust. My body will die, my heart will stop beating.  At that time, I believe I will find myself in the arms of a loving, personal God who created me out of His love for me.

I believe my body is a gift from this loving God and that I (all of us) am the crown of His creation and imbued with His very life. In fact, this God loved me so much that He actually came and took on a body of His own. His love is demonstrated by His example, teachings and His sacrifice and death.

Do you realize that the very fiber of our body speaks of God's love? The "glue" that holds the cells of our body together, the family of proteins that are cell adhesion molecules is called laminin. This word may be new to you as it was for me, but the shape that it takes in our bodies will look familiar.

In a very unique way, our bodies are literally held together by the cross, by the love of a God that desires to be in relationship with us.

My hope is that we can daily tap into the love of this father, to surrender ourselves into His care and provision.  May we be so full of His personal love (from the very cells of our body) that it spills out to others all around us.

May we continue to marvel in this incredible gift of our bodies and use them to make our world a better place for all and to give glory of the God who created us out of love.

Upside Down Weather

Today is your day, your chance to share, ask a question or make an observation. What's on your mind?

We could talk about the crazy weather. It has been unusual. We are having warmer temperatures in Ohio than my kids are in Virginia and North Carolina.  Today I watched huge chunks of ice and snow slide right off my porch roof.  This gave me a new perspective on the expression, "the slippery slope". Check it out.

Don't forget to leave a comment anywhere on my blog in February and your name will be put into a drawing for a fun basket of healthy items to be given away on March 1. Enter as many comments as you'd like. Share a blog post on Facebook or another social media site and come here to tell me and you'll receive another entry into the drawing. Thank you for helping me get the conversation about good health moving outward to others.

Exercising for My Loved Ones

I have purchased the exercise DVDs, the sweatpants and the shoes. So why do I avoid daily exercise when I know it will help me feel better, have more energy and be healthier?

Is it that my bed is warm, my exercise clothes are initially cold to put on, it is still dark outside, I don't have the energy, I'll do it tomorrow...? I bet you have a few other excuses you could add that I've forgotten.

Everywhere I turn, I am hearing of the importance of exercise, so it's time! Stubbornness and laziness aside; excuses in the circular file, it is time to do what I know will bless my life. It's time to think of all those I love and how much better I will be able to serve them if I am doing what I know is good for me.

I can stir up my "why". I want to be healthier so I can be a part of my childrens' and grandchildrens' lives, so I can serve those God brings into my life, and so I can avoid hospitals, future medical interventions and drugs if at all possible. If my "why" is strong enough, and it is, then it can fuel my behaviors.

It is time to just do what I know is right and to leave the regret and guilt behind. Regret is very draining. Guilt is extremely defeating. Both keep me from focusing on where I want to be and instead keep me looking behind to what could have been. They are like a ball and chain. I've decided to cut them loose and move forward, in freedom and purpose.

The September 2013 Success magazine CD was focused on health, and several talks discussed the importance of exercise. Dr. James Rouse gave a very inspiring talk on self care and the importance of exercise first thing in the day. This one good habit will lead to other good habits later in the day. Exercise creates healthy hormones, strengthens willpower and improves our ability to serve.

Jonathan Roche was the second guest and he gave a "win today checklist" which you can print out and use. He discussed the benefit of having a win tomorrow checklist, which means preparing the night before so you can be successful the next day. This involves getting water bottles, work out clothes, healthy snacks, and lunch ready for the next day, setting an exact time for your workout, and then setting a bedtime to ensure 7 hours of sleep. Don't start the day with the snooze button and avoidance, but embrace the day and be thankful for the adventure that lies ahead. Both of these talks were excellent and very motivating.

I was convicted that I can make exercise happen and so I am happy to say, I started. It has only been 5 days, but it is the first 5 of many more to come. I am posting this to inspire you to join me in this healthy habit and also to cement my own decision and keep me accountable. You can feel free to ask me how it's going, and I will be honest. I am confident that my answer will be, "It's going great and I am feeling wonderful!"

Do you have a favorite exercise routine or suggestion? What works for you?

Nutritional Dynamite!

You've probably heard the statement, "Dynamite comes in small packages", and in this case, that is absolutely right. No I am not talking about diamonds or jewelry for Valentines Day. I am talking about something so inexpensive, easy to obtain and powerfully nutritious, that it's a wonder we don't all enjoy these every day. I am talking about sprouts.

Broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, red clover sprouts, mung bean sprouts, sunflower sprouts are just a few of the varieties available. I have been growing sprouts for many years and there are times when I completely forget about them. 

This weekend I was in Columbus with my sister and we came across sunflower sprouts that looked so delicious that we bought them and then sat in the car eating them right out of the container. Weird, I know. But we must have been craving their nutrients.

Sprouts are powerhouses of nutrients and enzymes. It is as if nature had stored a stick of nutritional dynamite in the seed so the new plant would have plenty of nutrients to live on while it grew during its fragile period of birth to plant.

Ann Wigmore was a huge proponent of sprouts. She states in The Sprouting Book, "Regeneration and rejuvenation of the human body is possible, when it is given a rest from destructive habits and supplied with foods rich in life energy." She continues, "The life energy in fresh sprouts stimulates the body's inherent self-cleaning and self-healing abilities." Ann was a living example of the power of sprouts and, into her early 80's, still had her natural brown hair color. (She died in a fire in 1994).

Sprouts are super inexpensive if you grow your own, which takes almost no effort. All you need is a handful of seeds, which are available at any health food store, and a quart jar, cheesecloth or screen top, and water. You can use one kind of seed or a mix of several similar sized seeds. 

Begin by measuring about 1 - 2 Tbsp of seeds into your jar. Small seeds should just cover the bottom of the jar, while larger seeds should not fill the jar more than one-eight to one-fourth full. Sprouts will expand quite a bit. Fill the jar half way with water and allow to soak for the recommended time (small seeds are usually about 4-6 hours, larger seeds may be overnight). Add a screen top or piece of cheesecloth with a rubber band.

After you soak the seeds for the prescribed amount of time, drain them thoroughly and leave in a warm area out of sunlight. Sprouts need to be kept moist (not wet) while having adequate drainage and air circulation. Sprouts mature more quickly in warmer weather or in a warm location, but must be watched so they don't dry out. Keeping them in sight on the counter is a good idea so you can rinse them minimally each morning and evening until they are the desired size. Most sprouts are ready to use in 3-4 days. Sprouts don't like to be handled too much, so don't juggle them around too much.

Sprouts can be kept in the refrigerator and will last for a week or more if

rinsed occasionally and kept moist but not wet.

Sprouts are great on top of salads, omelettes, sandwiches and in wraps. They can be put into smoothies or juiced for a nutritional boost. The taste varies depending on the type of sprouts, so experiment to find your favorites.

Have you sprouted before? Please share your experience and your favorite ideas.

Gold Medal Olympic Snacks

Having friends over to watch the Olympics or a movie? Want to offer a few healthy snack alternatives? Well here are a few that you might enjoy and so will your guests.

TEXAS CAVIAR

I prefer to find organic, non GMO ingredients to use with this recipe. Your body will thank you with better health.

16 oz. can black beans, drained & rinsed

16 oz. black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed
7 oz. corn, drained
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. hot sauce
1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1/2 cup oil & vinegar dressing
3-6 drops of a YL citrus essential oil (I used a combination of lime and lemon)


Mix all ingredients.  Refrigerate 3-4 hours to blend flavors. Serve with organic corn chips, cucumber slices or celery "scoops". 
Thank you to Diana for sharing this recipe with me.

Essential Dill Dip

1 pkg. cream cheese

1–2 drops YL dill essential oil

1–2 drops YL lemon essential oil

1 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.

From Young Living blog

So what healthy snacks are you favorite for this time of the year?

Does God Want Us to Be Sick?

How many times have you heard someone say that they don't understand why God doesn't heal them of an illness or chronic condition? They are good people, have been praying in faith and just aren't getting the results they hope for. 

This calls to mind a story I heard about a man stuck in a flood who climbs to the roof of his house to keep from drowning. He prays to God to heal him and then proceeds to turn down rescue from a boat and helicopter because he is waiting for God to do something. When he drowns and goes to heaven, he asks why God didn't answer his prayer. God responds that he sent him a boat and helicopter.

God sends no stress...

I believe God has given us health resources that many of us ignore. We often choose to eat foods that we know are not healthy. We allow stress to build in our lives, avoid exercise, and speak negative messages to ourselves throughout the day. God has given us promises in the Bible that speak of a life of fullness, joy, blessing and grace in the face of hardship, but we often fill our day with negative speech and our bodies with harmful substances. We are literally poisoning our minds, emotions and bodies.

I write this as much for myself as I do to challenge you. I know there are times that I expect God to "make up" for my poor choices. I neglect to spend time in prayer getting my direction for the day from Him, but then I expect Him to bless my decisions and plans. I use food, usually refined carbohydrates, as a "quick fix" for my emotional needs (loneliness, sadness, anxiety) and then wonder why I can't seem to pull myself out of an emotional fog or why I am not feeling well. 

God has given us a bountiful garden full of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and the pure essential oils from a variety of plants for our healing. How often have we turned our back on this gift and said, "I don't like vegetables", but we are malnourished, overly toxic and not feeling well?  Like them or not, they are exactly what my body needs for optimal health.

I believe that God has healing for us if we will just accept the gifts He has given us, in plants, in one another, in His Word, and in the power of our choices. May we embrace the blessings He has for us and be willing to share His gifts and provision with others.

What is one step that you could take to embrace the good things that God has provided for your healing? Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing.

Tips for Improved Digestion

I remember as a kid loving the Alka Seltzer commercials. One of the commercials had a jingle, "Plop, plop, fiz, fiz, oh what a relief it is". A second one pictured someone who had obviously overeaten saying, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" At the time, these commercials were catchy and creative, but they illustrated a problem even way back then. Americans suffer from lots of digestive issues. And it has only gotten worse since then.

I wanted to offer a few suggestions that I've been learning and trying that might help you and those you love with some indigestion issues. Some simple practices and natural supplements could make a huge difference.

Digestion takes 80% of our energy and begins in the mouth and ends ... well, you know where it ends. Chewing our food adequately is key, as the majority of our digestive enzymes are actually in the mouth. Before you swallow, your food should be the consistency of cake batter.

Drink water a half hour before your meal, but limit the liquid you drink with your meal, as this will dilute your stomach acid. Most people suffer from too little stomach acid and taking antacids only makes this worse. Acid reflux is often caused by our not having enough acid to digest our food quickly and efficiently and then send it on to the intestines. It hangs around in the stomach too long. Eating smaller portions and keeping your food combinations simpler can also aid your body in getting food out of the stomach more quickly.

Taking a natural enzyme supplement with your meals can assist the body in breaking down your food. I use Essentialzyme-4 from Young Living which consists of two capsules, one for animal based foods, the other for plant based foods. The enzyme capsule for plants is released in the stomach, while the enzyme capsule for proteins is released in the small intestine. When I started taking these enzymes, I was amazed at how it created a rhythm in my digestive track that I had never really experienced before ("three trains in, three trains out") and acid reflux was gone. I also began to lose weight that had been stubbornly hanging on.

Raw, organic produce has more living enzymes, then processed foods. Fruits and vegetables also have lots of fiber which helps with scouring the intestines and absorbing toxins so these toxins can be removed from the body. Meat is hard on the digestive system. Most animals that eat meat sleep for a week after their meal. I can't afford to do that, so I try to eat animal protein earlier in the day when hydrochloric acid is stronger and my body has more time to digest it.

 Did you know that your intestines are your "second brain" and an incredible number of communications and activities take place there? Your intestines are the heart of your immune system, are responsible for absorption of nutrients and the removal of toxins. 100 trillion microorganisms live in your intestines. For optimal health, there needs to be a balance in the types of microorganisms. Antibiotics upset this balance by killing the healthy bacteria that keeps yeast in check. Taking a good pre- and probiotic can help restore this balance. (I use Life 5 from Young Living.) Pro-biotics help to colonize the intestines with good bacteria that is needed for completing digestion and also for hundreds of other jobs that take place in the intestines. Eating fermented foods like kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut can also help encourage good bacteria in the gut.

Taking probiotics just before bed will allow the bacteria to get settled before food begins coming through again the next day. Also, try not to eat 3 hours before bed. This may improve the depth or quality of your sleep as your body is not trying to finish digestion and sleep at the same time.

These are just a few simple recommendations that might benefit your gut health. Improving digestive health can have a profound impact of the health of the rest of the body, from brain to liver, from skin to heart.

What tips do you have for digestive health?

Announcement! Announcement!

I am excited to announce two great opportunities.

First, there will be a Young Living Essential Oil Exceptional Expectation Conference in Pittsburgh, PA on April 5, 2014. It will be held at the Embassy Suits in Coraopolis (near the airport). Shannon Hudson, a Platinum leader in Young Living, will be sharing her knowledge, testimonies and expertise with us. It will be incredible and my team will be doing something special that you won;t want to miss. For more information and to register click here.

Second, I am giving away a gift basket to one person who has participated in this blog by commenting any time in February on any post (from the beginning until now). Each time you leave a comment, you will get one chance in the drawing. If you share a post on your facebook, blog or twitter account, leave a comment on my blog letting me know (you can leave the link, if you wish) and I'll count each of your social networking sharings as another entry.

OK, it's Friday. What are you excited about? want to know about?
What success have you had (large or small)? Let us hear about it!