SupermarketRxs!

Staying Well Tips From Overseas!

   Flu Fighters From Across The Pond!
While America debates about this vaccine or that vaccine, learn how the rest of the world prevents the cold and flu.
1) France-
Homeopathy has been a medical staple in France for over 200 yrs. The theory is similar to that of a vaccine-giving tiny dilutions of a substance that would induce symptoms in high doses gently challenges the immune system, teaching it to destroy viral invaders.
A Rx For Americans: If you've been exposed to a virus, pour a tube of Boiron Oscillo Pellets, under your tongue so they can dissolve slowly. Take a second tube 6 hrs. after that. To improve the absorption, don't eat or drink for 30 minutes before or after taking the product.
Look for the product- Boiron Oscillo pellets at Drugstore.com. $15 for 6 tubes.
2) Austria-
Not only do they send us the Governor of California, but Elderberry as well. For hundreds of years, the Elderberyy has been used to fight cold and flu symptoms as well. So respected in fact, farmers still lift their hats in respect when passing elderberry trees.
Rx For Americans: Take 3,000 mg. elderberry in capsule form or 2 tsp. of the liquid extract daily during the cold and flu season. Look for the product- Nature's Way Sambucol Black Elderberry Original Syrup. Find it at VitaminShoppe.com.
3) China-
Acupressure has been a key component of Chinese medicine for centuries. Pressing certain points reduces out-put of immune-weakening stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine by 25%.  The elders teach it to children to make sure they stay well throughout the flu season.
Chinese practioners believe that applying pressure to points along certain pathways balances energy flow, signaling the immune system to produce healing white blood cells.
Rx For Americans: Find Qi Hai, the "yin" acupressure point located 1 inch below the navel. Rub gently in a circular motion for a few minutes. Next, find the Da Zhui, the "yang" point located on the spinal column at shoulder level. Rub gently in a circular motion for a few minutes more. Repeat daily.
4) India-
The people of India have relied on Curry to stay well. They serve it with cumin, garlic and lemon, to prevent sickness. It's so effective that congestion, stuffiness and other sypmtoms are relieved almost immediately.
Rx For Americans: In a small pot, heat 1 tsp. olive oil. Add 1/2 tsp. each curry and curry; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 12 oz. of water. Simmer 5 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup. Add salt and pepper to taste, (if desired).
5) Italy-
Take your choice: garlic, olive oil, strong family ties or the red wine. Today, it's all about garlic.
Garlic builds immunity, fortifying the body against pathogens in just one week. Take a clove or two of garlic a day and you're 50% less likely to catch a cold.
Rx For Americans: Take garlic in supplement form- 600 mg. to 1,200 mg. in divided doses. Find it at health-food stores or crush a clove, place it into a shot of red wine, leave it for ten minutes and then down it. Or place fresh garlic on your salad or whole-wheat pasta.
6) Greece-
Add some yogurt to your daily diet, just like the Greeks. Yogurt is used to cook certain dishes  and as a dessert in Greece. It contains beneficial bacteria, vitamins and calcium and it reduces your risk of catching a cold by 25%.
Rx For Americans: Look for good quality yogurt, not the sugar-laden type. Or look for Greek yogurt or Kefir. Try and eat a cup a day.
Warning: Please check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially garlic. Garlic can thin the blood and if you're on blood thinners or any type of medication, it can cause serious health problems.
7) New Zealand-
The Kiwi! I may have written a post on Kiwi some time back, but it bears repeating. Although most people  think of it as an Australian export, it's actually from New Zealand. 2 kiwis a day will keep your imune system strong. In fact, A teacher in the U.S. was looking for a natural way to prevent colds during the upcoming school year, her doctor told her to add more kiwi to her diet. She was able to get through the school year unscathed.
Rx For Americans: Eat kiwi in smoothies, add to oatmeal or place some on your chicken or fish dish-before baking. Too expensive? Buy some Kiwi and Apples. Apples offer the same cold-fighting benefits.

That's Your Guide To Staying Well In The U.S.A.
Think of the money you'll  save, by not traveling overseas.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Overcoming Homework Hassles-Naturally!

       Curing Homework Hassles!

Does your kid or kids complain about homework? Well, my two oldest have stopped, but my youngest still does. If you're struggling with a kid or kids who just doesn't want to  do their homework, here are three problems solved-naturally.

1) No Focus-
How do you get them to focus? Exercise! Yes, being locked up (or down) in school all day, they need to let off steam, and with schools cutting gym and recess, it's more important than ever. Kids who get at least 30 mins. of exercise a day, do better on tests than their inactive peers. They'll also do better with self-control, problem solving and organization skills.
Just remember to make it fun and not regimented, and you'll both benefit. Acitivities like kick ball, jumping rope or hip-hop dancing all count.
And I personally, use this when I need inspiration or more energy for a blog post.

2) Mental Energy-
They rather watch MTV, than do school work, so pour them some hot chocolate. Why hot cocoa?
Chocolate contains flavonols, which may increase the body's synthesis of nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that dilates blood vessels to optimize delivery of energy-producing metabolic subtrates to the brain. A 6 oz. of cup is all that's needed to help you score higher on mentally draining tasks, like doing long division or subtracting numbers from a large sum.
And make sure that hot cocoa, is of high quality, not your run-of-the mill sugar laden brand and no danish or pastries- they'll only negate the health benefits of the hot cocoa.

3) Improve Recall-
Those flash cards just aren't cutting it anymore, the new solution to improve recall: Chewing Gum.
Chewing for 15 to 20 mins. while studying helped kids perform better on tests taken the next day.
Chewing stimulates the brain's temporal lobe, which contains the memory-storing hippocampus.
Will any gum do? No, kids got better results when they chewed Spearmint. Minty scents improve memory and accelerate mental processing.

That's It- 3 steps to improve the "Homework Hassles".

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Beat Winter Cravings Naturally!

       Beat Winter Cravings At The Supermarket!  
That time of year again, shorter and cooler days, sunlight gone by 5:00 pm, blah moods and cravings for carbs and sweets. Don't let the shorter days ruin your waistline or cause you to risk your health. Here are some ways to keep those cravings at bay...
1) Switch Snacks-
Instead of loading up the cabinets with sugary and processed carbs, eat more fruit. Complex carbs keep blood sugar levels on an even keel and boost energy.
2) Eat More Often-
Eating a piece of toast at 7:00 am and then not eating until 3 or 4 pm, is a disaster waiting to happen. Small frequent meals every 3 to 4 hours, stop the rapid drops in blood sugar and prevent the out-of-control food fests.
3) Eat More Nuts-
Often overlooked as a way to keep weight in check, but thanks to the fatty acids, they're a great appetite suppresant. Go for walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.
4) Exercise-
You figure, what's the use? But exercise is free therapy- you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for. It'll boost moods, keep appetites in check and prevent weight gain. Look for a mall in your area that allows you to walk.
5) Sunlight-
Although it may be cold, spending a few mins. in the sunlight can change your mood and energy levels. Even better: Walk in the morning sunshine and get a double boost.
Research says- Light deprivation is one of the leading causes of winter depression.
6) Get A Hobby-
Sew, make woodwork or learn a language, doing so boosts mood and self worth.
7) An Amino Acid-
The amino acid 5-HTP is thougth to be the missing links in why we crave during the winter.
Check with your Dr. before taking any type of supplements.
8) More Fish-
Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna and trout is nature's richest source of Vit. D, so try and have it a few times a week. It boosts mood and keeps sweet cravings in check. If it's too expensive- eat the walnuts. They have the same antidepressant properties as fish.

Good Luck and Good Health This Winter.
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Curing Fibroids Naturally!

The Fibroid Rxs!
Ladies, do you have heavy periods? Unbearable cramps? Well, if you're like 1 in 3 women,
then you may have fibroids-non cancerous growths that are the No. 1 cause of hysterectomies.
Luckily, a trip to your supermarket may be all the cure you need. Continue reading...
1) Get More Lycopene-
What is lycopene? Find it in tomatoes, pink grapefruit or watermelon, it's the plant pigment that makes foods like tomatoes and grapefruits red, protects by slowing the division of uterine cells.
These foods reduce the size and number of fibroids you have.
So, don't feel guilty eating whole-wheat pasta with sauce, or some pizza and finish up the meal with a slice of watermelon.
2) More Bs-
Fibroids are fueled by estrogen. You can keep your levels in check with a B complex vitamin, which helps your liver break down excess hormones. Not into vitamins? Get 5 or 6 servings of whole-grains or beans daily.
3) Walk-
Circulation to the pelvis can be boosted by walking. How much? About 30 to 40 mins. a day, flush away excess estrogen and speed up the breakdown of fibroids.
4) One Glass-
Of wine. No more or you increase estrogen production by up to 275% for 5 hours.
Limit yourself to one only.
5) Eat More Greens-
Fibroids are more common in women who eat a lot of red meat and ham. These foods are packed with hormones that dampen the liver's ability to keep in check. But, women who eat of lot of leafy green vegetables, lower their odds of getting fibroids greatly.
6) The Signs-
Some of the symptoms of Fibroids:
a) Heavy or long periods.
b) Strong menstrual cramps.
c) Heaviness or pressure in the abdomen.
d) Anemia due to heavy menstrual flow.
e) Difficulty urinating or the need to go frequently.
f) Bleeding between periods.
g) Frequent Miscarriages.
h) Pain during Sex.
If you have any of these symptoms, please see your healthcare professional.
And if he or she suggest hysterectomy, (as the only cure)- tell em, you're getting a second opinion.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Fertility Rxs For Women!

  Fertility Rxs Every Woman Must Know!
Ladies, are you planning a pregnancy in the near future? Well, my cousin and I have written a Newsletter on some of the things associated with pregnancy. Things like...
1) How to tell if your pregnant without a pregnancy test.
2) Natural ways men and women can overcome infertility.
3) Ways to create Twins...with food.
4) Stretch Mark Prevention Cream- make your own.
5) Gender Selection- Time your Sex sessions; for a boy or a girl.
6) Want to know if your or partner is infertile? Buy this product.
7) Vaccinations- Tell your doctor this and avoid heartache.
Plus, much more. How can you order this Newsletter?
Go to Scribd.com and type in Home-Made Rxs (My cousins' blog)
and download the Newsletter. It'll cost you... the price of 2 Avocados.
Thanks!
JGib-
SupermarketRxs!

Guys-The New Cause Of Manboobs!

    Preventing Manboobs!
 Guys, has your chest become bigger in the last 6 months or year? Well, about a year ago, I wrote a post about Soy and the risks it poses to a man's health. Maybe, you can go back and read it or I'll rehash some of the points, here:
Soy contains isoflavones, plant compounds that mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. This can  create a "feminizing" effect on the male physique and reproductive system.
But, what if you're not eating Soy or soy products?  
Well then, perhaps it's your  Heartburn medicine.
You see, like Soy, research has now discovered that heartburn medication, can increase the prolactin in your system. What is it? It's a hormone that's responsible for growing breast tissue during pregnancy, and if men get to much of it-you guessed it, bigger breasts.
Some heartburn medications also hinder the action of testosterone,  allowing estrogen (female hormones) to dominate.

So Guys, what do you do? You can talk to your doctor about lowering the dose or you can tame the heartburn with that old kitchen staple. The staple: Baking soda. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda into a glass of water and sip a little before meals. This is also a great rx for pregnant women- who want to forgo potentially dangerous medications.
And another thing, guys- You may think you're not eating soy, but it's in a lot of products. Products like Energy bars. So, read those labels carefully.
That's It- My take on keeping your chests slim and trim.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

The New Rxs To Slash Heart Attacks Risks!

   Slashing Your Risk Of Heart Attacks!   

 For decades, doctors wanted us to drive down levels of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol for
preventing cardiovascular disease. But now, doctors say that's not enough. To cut your risk
by up to 60 to 70 percent, you need to raise levels of artery-clearing HDL cholesterol as well.
Here are some ways to do it:
1) Pistachios-
Forgotten in the midst of almonds and walnuts, but pistachios are rich in palnt sterols, a type of antioxidant that lowers the absorption of cholesterol from other foods. Aim to eat 3 oz. a day.
They lower LDLs by 12%.
2) Cranberry Juice- Cranberry Juice- will boost HDLs. Aim for 2 to 3 glasses a day. It's also rich in plant sterols, raising levels of heathy HDLs by 10%. Choose a juice made with artificial sweetner instead of corn syrup.
3) Grapefruit-
More specifically-red grapefruit. Eating one a day for 30 days significantly reduced LDL levels in cardiac patients. It contains antioxidants that really benefit the cardiovascular system.
 Warning: Grapefruit can be quite expensive. But think of the alternative.
4) A Vitamin-
Ask your doctor about taking Niacin. It boosts HDL levels by up to 35% and lower LDL levels by 25%. Niacin supplements when taken in excess, can cause flushing of the skin. So, look for a no-flush version labeled "Inositol Hexanicotinate, start at 100 mg. a day, building  up to 500 mg.
5) A Chinese Cure-
Red Yeast Rice supplement. A yeast that grows on white rice and has been used in Asia for centuries. It lowers total cholesterol (LDL cholesterol and triglcerides levels) by up to 30% and raises HDL. Take 600 mg. 2 to 4 times daily.
6) A Food-
Avocado. It contains good, healthy fats that clears fat from arteries, lowering  LDL levels considerably. Aim for 1/2 an Avocado a day.

That's It- And please remember to check with your doctor before taking any new vitamin or supplement.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

A Cure For Brain Fog!

    Curing Brain Fog!
 Have trouble concentrating on school or work? Well, you may have Brain Fog!
You know the inability to think or focus on the subject at hand.
It's usually associated with kids- (short attention spans) but it's also something a lot of adults struggle with.

So, is there a cure? Will you need an untested or expensive med? Or do you just accept it as a part of life? None of the above.
Researchers in Italy, have found that those who struggle with brain fog- may be caused by "Gluten." What is "Gluten?" It's a special type of protein that is most commonly found in wheat, barley and rye. Eating gluten over a long period of time may cause intolerance-resulting in allergies, abdominal pain and now brain fog. You also may have heard of it in regards to Celiac disease. (Or Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

The researchers say, cutting gluten from our diets may bring about an improvement in attention spans. The reason: Gluten triggers spikes in inflammatory cytokines, chemicals that hinder brain-cell function and trigger concentration difficulties. Fatigue is also another sign (burger and bun for lunch).
Well, that's it and if you  or a loved one are struggling with brain fog, you should see or have them see their Dr. immediately for a blood test. But, be forewarned- getting rid of gluten, can be tricky- it lurks everywhere: soy sauce, root beer soda, licorice and even lipstick-(which uses wheat as a binder.

Good Luck and "Gluten-Free"
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

 

Fall Food Rxs!

      Eat Well This Fall! "The Fall Foods"

 It's almost that time of year again- leaves changing color, shorter days and carb cravings. But here in the Northeast, it's almost 80 and muggy. (Perhaps, no one told Mother Nature)
Well, anyway, back to the subject at hand: Fall Foods.
That's right, although these foods are available year round, they're cheaper and mainly eaten in the Fall.

So, if you're ready to trade in your Watermelon and Barbecue, just continue reading for a list of the foods that'll make this Fall your healthiest ever.

The Fall Food Rxs:
1) Apples-
The prices come down in the Fall and that's great, add more apples to your diet and you'll...
a) Relieve heartburn- Eat one after a meal when you feel heartburn coming on.
b) Nature's Diet Aid- Spending money on diet pills? Stop and eat an apple 30 mins. before a meal.
They work just like diet pills and they don't have side effects or an expensive price tag.
c) Protect your Heart-High concentrations of antioxidants (especially in the peel) cholesterol lowering fiber and flavonoids combine to reduce inflammation and blood pressure.

2) Pumpkins-
Don't just carve up that pumpkin...eat it. Or buy it canned, either way you'll...
a) Keep Eyesight Sharp. Protect the lenses of your eyes, lowering your risk of two vision-robbing conditions: Cataracts and Macular Degeneration.
b) Smooth Skin- Facelifts are expensive and may not be sucessful, so apply some pumpkin and egg yolk to your face for youthful skin. It's rumored that actress Uma Thurman uses  mashed pumpkin (on her face) for her gorgeous looks.
c) Quell Cravings-
d) Protect Retinas-Keep vision crystal clear.
e) Seeds- Don't forget the pumpkin seeds, they help produce more collagen and elastin to protect muscles and ligmaents. And keep the prostate gland from enlarging.

3) Cranberries-
Not the canned variety, splurge and get the real deal. (fresh cranberries)
a) Blood Flow- break down fatty deposits internally to keep blood flowing.
b) UTIs- Ladies are you bothered by UTIs? Add fresh cranberries to your diet. Hint: Leave the sugar out- it'll only make UTIs worse.
c) Marinate-  Pour a little cranberry juice or fresh cranberries over meat before cooking- it kills salmonella, E coli and other dangerous bacteria.
d) Beautiful Smile- Stop cavity causing bacteria from sticking to teeth.
e) Good Cholesterol- Raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels.

4) Sweet Potatoes-
Sweet Potato Pie is especially popular come Fall, but you may want to leave out the sugar, after reading what Sweet Potatoes can do...
a) Colds and Flu- This info is especially popular now, eat plain sweet potatoes to avoid flus and colds.
b) Clear Skin- Bothered by pimples? Eat more S.Ps. remember the sugar- Sugar is a good friend to Acne.
c) Night Blindness- Drive or work at night? Eat S.Ps. to protect vision.
d) Build Endurance- Long distance bike rider? Eat S.Ps. to boost endurance. And leave the energy drinks alone.
e) Prevent Strokes- Keep blood flowing with S.Ps.

That's It- Tomorrow- more Fall Foods.
Butternut Squash, Mushrooms and Turkey.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Build More Muscle With Fish Oil!

   Build Muscle With Fish Oil!
  Are you eating right, sleeping 7 to 8 hrs. a night,  hitting the gym regularly and still not building a top quality physique?  Try adding fish oil to your regimen.
That's right- top scientists have discovered that fish oil will supercharge 2 or your body's main metabolic engines- your cells' mitochondria and peroxisomes.

Start the fish oil today, and you can lose 2 lbs. of fat and gain 2 lbs. of muscle in as little as 4 weeks. So, take 10 g. of fish oil after dinner and watch your muscles grow. Why after dinner? Fish oil increase your levels of dopamine and serotonin- 2 hormones that boost relaxation for a better night's sleep. And better sleep is also beneficial for muscle growth.
Hey, just think- fish oil may be the answer to human growth hormones. Think about it.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!

Natural Rxs For A Slow Thyroid!

  Fixing A Slow Thyroid!
 Are you suffering from bloating, moodiness, or piling on the pounds?
If you answered yes, then you may be suffering from a slow thyroid.
Not pumping out enough thyroid hormone, can wreak havoc with metabolism,
body temperature, sex drive and moods.
But before you head to your Dr. and ask for medication- try the natural Rxs,
listed below...
1) Eat Seafood-
Have you cut back on table salt? Well, salt contains iodine and low iodine levels can cause your thyroid to slow down. Don't want to add more salt and raise the risk of high blood pressure? No problem, eat iodine-rich seafood like shrimp and cod. Or add other sources like yogurt, milk and eggs.
2) Cook Your Broccoli-
Into raw vegetables? Eating broccoli raw has a downside: It contains Goitrogens, compounds that interfere with thyroid hormone production. So, steam it or stir-fry it to zap those thyroid-suppressing compounds.
3) Bottled Water-
Drink water from the tap? Tap water contains fluoride. Fluoride can reduce the body's levels of iodine, which in turn, lessens production of thyroid hormone.
Easy solution: You can buy a filter that uses osmosis or distillation filtration, which can be very expensive, or just buy bottled water.
4) Fish Oil-
You may remember tip no. 1: Eat seafood. This tip is about fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil convert an inactive form of thyroid hormone into one  the body uses more readily.
Recommended dose: 1 g. of fish oil containing EPA and DHA. Take daily.
5) A Multivitamin-
Take a multivitamin that contains your RDA for magnesium (310 mg.) selenium (55 mcg.), zinc (8 mg), and vitamins A (700 mcg.), B5 or pantothenic acid (5mg.), C (75 mg.) and E (15mg.) These nutrients combined are all you need to produce and use thyroid hormone and keeps your thyroid gland healthy.
6) Watch The Chemicals-
Chemicals found in cleaning products can prevent thyroid hormones from functioning properly.
So, be sure to use healthy alternatives like- vinegar, lemon juice and Borax.
And be sure to clean your produce well. Use lemon juice and salt or some vinegar to remove most of the pesticides on the peels.

That's it- Your guide to preventing your thyroid gland from malfunctioning.

Good Luck!
JGib--
SupermarketRxs!