Food For Thought and Our Health

     On 9/22/2014 at approximately 9:30 p.m.,  the fall season officially arrived in our part of the world.  Along with this change comes the harvest, where the fruits of our summer labors make their way to the dinner table.  Soups, salads, and side dishes are created by home and professional chefs alike.

     During late August and early September, I write a contributing column titled "What's Cooking?"  for the Green Earth Institute (GEI), a community supported agricultural (CSA) organization located in Naperville, Illinois.  The GEI is a farm that is operated and staffed by volunteers who plant and grow various vegetables and herbs from early April through about mid-November, when the harvest ends.

Community Supported Agriculture

     Members of a CSA, purchase shares (boxes) of these grown items which are released on a weekly basis for distribution.  The column I contribute to appears in a newsletter that is emailed to coincide with the share pick up.  Each week, one item (of my choosing) in the share box is featured in the column that provides the history, nutritional profile, and a recipe for members to try if they so which.  I am one of several people who contribute to this column on an annual basis.

     In this week's blog post, I am going to share with you, my readers, the entry that appeared in the GEI newsletter in early September of last year.  Even if you don't grow your own vegetables, my hope is that you will find something new to try, let me know how it went, and if you put your own spin to the recipe.  Enjoy.

Tomatoes: The Prostate's Best Friend

     September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Therefore, it is fitting that we talk about the tomato Lycopersicon esculentum, one of Mother Nature's gems found in your box this week.  According to The World'sHealthiest Foods website, tomato consumption can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer because it contains the phytonutrient alpha -tomatine (alters the metabolic activity in developing prostate cancer cells), as well as lycopene(antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).  An interesting fact is that the lycopene (antioxidant) profile is actually increased when the tomato is cooked (i.e. ketchup or tomato paste).

     In a few weeks we will usher in the Fall season along with cooler weather.  When I was growing up, a staple on the autumn menu was tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.  Last night, my wife and I made a Food Network soup recipe using tomatoes grown in our own garden (I will leave the grilled cheese up to you) that is quick, easy to make, and delicious.  So raise your spoon to this lycopene-rich meal that offers plenty of ammunition for the prostate to fight cancer.

Fresh Tomato Soup

Serves 4

4 1/2 pounds tomatoes (4 LBS quartered, 1/2 LB chopped)

1 1/2 TBS extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

4 scallions, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons of heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup mini bow ties or other mini pasta

Puree the quartered tomatoes in a blender. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and scallions and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.  Increase the heat to medium high; strain the pureed tomatoes through a mesh sieve into the pot.  Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water, the cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.  Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.  Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.    

Note: The mesh sieve is used to separate the seeds but we have found that this is not an easy task.  Therefore, we have included the seeds (unless you cannot eat them) in the soup and found the recipe to be just as delicious.   This soup was recently served on our dinner table and the next time oregano will be added in the cooking process to give it extra flavoring.  Home grown tomatoes work best.

Chakras: Nourishment Through a Whole Foods Diet

The Seven Chakras

     In the last two posts we learned what the Chakras are and what can happen when they become imbalanced.  This week we will learn how a whole foods diet can assist the chakras (body) to return to homeostasis or balance.  Whole foods are gifts of mother nature and are consumed in their purest form: unprocessed, unrefined, and contain no additives or preservatives.  An apple picked and eaten from a tree versus a store bought jar of  applesauce (containing added sugars) is an example of whole versus refined foods. 

     A recent article in the Idea Fitness Journal  (June, 2014) talks about chakra nutrition from a holistic standpoint.  The following is a synopsis of author Teri Mosey's  discussion on this intriguing topic  from root to crown.

Root



Apple

     When the root chakra becomes unbalanced, we will have a tendency to crave proteins, mainly in the form of animal meats.  Reason being, these foods have strong bone and blood contents which are red in color much like the root chakra itself.  Mosey states that once we begin to feel "rooted" again we should add plant-based proteins to our diet as well (2014).  Red foods include: apples, cherries, tomatoes, red grapes, and beets.  Too much animal protein can be taxing on the body, and this will be the subject of a future post.  A plant-based diet will contain a good amount of dietary fiber which assists in the transition of digested foods through our intestines and keeps us regular.

Sacral

     Mosey tells us that the sacral chakra, which resonates with the color orange, is all about flow and movement.  The sacral chakra is assisted by foods that are orange-colored and have both a high water and omega-3 fatty acid content (2014).  The author goes on to say that proper hydration is the key to maintaining balance for this chakra.  Orange foods that prove most beneficial are carrots, butternut squash, oranges, apricots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.  Foods high in omega-3's are: wild caught salmon, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and cashews (2014).



Carrots

salmon

Solar Plexus

lemon

     Just above our belly button, we find the solar plexus chakra with its affinity for the color yellow.  The author notes that "naturally occurring carbohydrates" found in fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes (beans) provide nourishment for the solar plexus.  Additionally, one should eat foods that have high fiber content (squash, broccoli, lentils, and beans) on a daily basis in order to support the necessary balance for this chakra.  Mosey lists the following yellow foods as most beneficial to the solar plexus: lemons, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), bananas, pineapple, and quinoa (2014).

 

chickpeas(garbanzo beans)

 

 

Heart

     In the center of our chest we find the heart chakra that resonates with the color green.  An imbalanced heart chakra may present as heart and lung issues.  This chakra appreciates the consumption of the cruciferous veggies like collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.  Additionally,  bitter greens such as dandelion and escarole assist with detoxification of the body as well as "penetrate" the heart chakra (2014).  Foods such as scallions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint have a knack for clearing the sinuses and expand the lungs to their fullest potential.

broccoli

scallions

Throat

     The blue throat chakra involves our ability to communicate and speak our inner truths.  An unwell throat may exhibit as thyroid gland disorders and chronic neck issues.  Mosey emphasizes that to nourish the throat chakra we must use all of our physical senses as well as listen to our body (2014).  The author states that it is most beneficial to the throat chakra if we eat a variety of food choices to create as diverse a diet as possible.  Foods that soothe the throat are: soups, sauces, and high-water content foods.  Sea plants (contain iodine) are supportive of the thyroid gland and should be consumed as well.  Examples include: nori rolls, miso soup, and arame salad (2014).

 

arame salad

nori rolls
 

 

Third Eye

     The Third Eye chakra is partial to the color purple and is the seat of our intuition and imagination.  Mosey states that with regard to food we must focus not only on our physical being, but are "intuitive eating" as well (2014).  What is it that our body is trying to tell us?  An example of intuitive eating is called cravings.  A blocked third eye lends us to crave chocolate, and while we may say "yeah!!" at this point, too much chocolate can over stimulate the mind due to its caffeine content (2014).  Certain spices such as chili, pepper, turmeric , and ginger assist in balancing this chakra.  The author tells us that we should focus on the purple-red foods like blueberries, plums, figs, and pomegranates.  It is within this chakra that we should pay attention to how what we eat affects our wellbeing.

blueberries

turmeric

Crown

     Through the crown chakra we are connected to the world and to all around us.  The crown is represented by the color white and when blocked , forces rigid thinking with a need to always be right.  Mosey notes that it is here where one must show gratitude for the food before them either through prayer or an eating ritual (2014).  There are no specific foods that nourish the crown other than giving thanks.

     The foods associated with each chakra provide us with a menu of wholesome items that can assist us in moving away from the processed, ready-to-eat meals to which we have become accustomed.  However, not every person can eat every food that has been discussed in this post.  Those with a pre-existing condition or who take prescription medications must consult with their primary care physician or a dietitian prior to a change in dietary intake.  Some foods may interfere with the actions of some drugs.  For example, those on the blood-thinning agent Coumadin, are discouraged from eating dark, green leafy vegetables as they contain Vitamin K, which encourages blood coagulation (thickening).  This is in direct opposition to the intended action of Coumadin.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. 

References

Mosey, T. (2014).  Chakra Nutrition.  Idea Fitness Journal, 11 (6), 38-45.

Chakras: What Happens When They Become Blocked or Imbalanced?

Last week, I introduced you to the concept of the chakra as a life force energy.   Eastern cultures have an awareness of these centers as being vital to our health and if imbalanced, sickness and disease may occur (2014).  Today we will discuss what happens when the chakras  become blocked or imbalanced.

Root

 

 

     Disruption of the root can lead to stress, anxiety, and restlessness.  According to ChakraEnergy.com,  one may suffer from anemia, depression, fatigue, low back pain, and even frequent colds.  Additionally,  joint pain and  a poor immune system may manifest.  A person may have fears of letting go, poor boundaries, or security issues (2014).

Sacral

 

 

     If the sacral chakra becomes imbalanced, a person may exhibit the following signs/symptoms: eating disorders, asthma, allergies, alcohol/drug abuse,  and Candida/yeast infections.  Other health issues include bladder problems, impotence, and lack of flexibility.  Jealousy, betrayal, and control may surface on an emotional or social level (2014).

Solar Plexus

 

 

     If a person has a block of the solar plexus they may develop digestive disorders, ulcers, diabetes, low energy, constipation, and nervousness.  Those that have a hot temper, are judgmental, fear change, demanding, or are sensitive to criticism fall into this category (2014).

Heart

 

     The heart is the gateway to the higher level chakras and energy must pass through here in order to assess the throat, third eye, and crown centers.  If the heart becomes blocked, we may be resentful, bitter, lack forgiveness, and experience guilt.  Physically, one may suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory disorders, cardiac issues, shortness of breath, and even tension between the shoulders (2014).

 

Throat

 

     The throat is responsible for clear voice and where we speak our inner truths.  If imbalanced, the voice will be weak and feelings incomprehensible.  We can suffer from fever; ear, nose, and throat disorders; problems with swallowing; and hormonal disorders like PMS and mood swings.  Also, a disruption may cause one to lie in order to get his/her way (2014).

Third Eye

 

     An unwell third eye may cause a person to be worrisome; have poor concentration and  learning disabilities; sleep disorders and neurological issues.  Additionally, fever, flu, infections, and headaches may also appear (2014).

Crown

 

     The blocked crown may represent as a confused, depressed, and uninspired person.  Signs of disruption include: epilepsy, skin rashes, varicose veins, sensitivity to light, and even amnesia.  A person may also have a fear of success due to this imbalance (2014).

     Complementary and alternative methods are designed to assist the body's natural healing ability.  However, there may be times when issues (such as described in this post) require traditional medical intervention.  It is essential that you speak with a licensed healthcare provider if you have signs and symptoms of a medical conditions such as heart disease, lung problems, or high blood pressure.  Please be sure to disclose to your doctor if you wish to explore alternative means such as reiki healing to balance you chakras, and never discontinue a prescribed treatment protocol/medication without his or her consent or agreement.

References

ChakraEnergy.com (2014).  The Seven Chakras.  Retrieved from http:// chakraenergy.com/seven.html on 6/24/2014.

Spiritual Growth Prophecies (2014).  The Seven Chakras.  Retrieved from http:// www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/chakra-symbols.html on 6/24/2014.

Chakras: Spinning Centers that Express our Vital Life Energy

The 7 Chakras

     Tantric tradition tells us that each person has 7 energy centers that are called chakras.  These spinning centers of energy are connection points between the body and the mind (2014).  The Chopra Center notes that if the flow of energy in one or more of these centers are blocked, there may be a resultant illness that surfaces from either the physical, mental or emotional being of our person (2014).  Today's post will give the basic description of each chakra along with its location and associated color.  In subsequent posts we will discuss: energy blocks, balancing, and ways to nourish our chakras with specific foods that resonate with each center.

What are Chakras?

     Chakras are spinning centers that can collect energy about the health of our environment on a vibratory level.  This information is gathered via: color, ultra-violet rays, radio or microwaves, and even another person's aura (2014).  Additionally,  we can send out energy that affects other persons or even the environment as a whole.  In other words, any being that we contact can be affected by our moods and vice versa.  I described such an incident in a previous post titled: Life's Happenstance Can Open Doors to TrueHealing (3/4/14).

     The centers are located along the spinal column starting from the tailbone and rise to the crown, or top of our head.  Each one governs a main organ/gland and is connected to other  body parts that resonate on the same frequency, and are associated with a specific color (2014).  According to Tantric Tradition, a chakra has its own intelligence center and is connected to us on a physical, emotional, mental , and spiritual level (2014).

The 7 Chakras

     The following are basic descriptions of our chakras which were taken from a few sources that I found during my research for the this post.  There are multiple sources out there on the internet that may reference different colors for each center.  What I present to you seems to be the common theme amongst my references.  I encourage you to do your own research or consult a practitioner such as a Reiki Healer who can provide further information on this subject matter.

Root

Root Chakra

     The Root (base) chakra is found in the tailbone of our spine and is associated with the color red.  This energy center represents the foundation of our being with respect to our material world.  Examples include; food, money, and security issues.  The ability to stand up for yourself also falls into this realm (2014).

Sacral



Sacral Chakra

     Moving up the spinal column, we find the next energy center known as the Sacral (Spleen) chakra.  The Sacral is found in our lower abdominal area a couple of inches below the belly button and is associated with the color orange.  This center governs our feelings and the ability to accept others on both a social and intimate level.  Issues of  well-being, pleasure, and sexuality arise from here (2014).

Solar Plexus

Solar Plexus Chakra

     The third chakra known as the Solar Plexus is located above the belly button near the stomach and is represented by the color yellow.  Under this energy center falls the domains of self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem.  The Solar Plexus also controls our right to think, ego, and humor (2014).

Heart

 

 

Heart Chakra

 

     Located right in the center of the chest we find the Heart chakra with an association to the color green.  Here we find love, joy, forgiveness, inner peace, and compassion.  The Heart also allows us to come to terms and accept ourselves for who we are and our place in this world (2014).

Throat

 

 

Throat Chakra

 

     Moving into the throat region of the spinal column we find the Throat chakra with its companion color of blue.  This energy center governs our ability to speak and express ourselves in a truthful manner.  Loyalty, trust, organization, and planning are also found here (2014).

 

Third Eye

Third Eye Chakra

     Centered in the forehead we find the Third Eye (Brow) chakra which is drawn to the color indigo. This spinning vortex guides our ability to think and make decisions.  It is how we see and trust our intuition, imagination, and wisdom.  It also helps us to rid ourselves of repressed feelings and negative thoughts (2014).

Crown Chakra

 

Crown Chakra

 

     At  the very top of our head is the Crown chakra found as violet hues on the color spectrum.  It is here where we become connected to our spirituality and God,  or higher intelligence depending upon your individual beliefs.  It also guides us to trust in the universe as well as integrate our consciousness and subconsciousness into a superconsciousness.

     This by no means is a complete discussion of the significance of the chakras.  As I said earlier, do your own research if what I have written here peaks your interest.  In the next segment, we will learn what happens if either an individual chakra or multiple chakras become(s) unbalanced.

References

ChakraEnergy.com (2014).  The Seven Chakras.  Retrieved from http:// chakraenergy.com/seven.html on 6/24/2014.

The Chopra Center (2014).  Chakras.  Retrieved from http://www.chopra.com/community/online-library/terms/chakras on 8/5/2014.

MindBodyGreen (2014).  The 7 Chakras for Beginners.  Retrieved from http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-91/The-7-Chakras-for-Beginners.html on 8/5/2014.

Behavioral Health: A Challenge to Our National Conversation

          In this week's blog post, I chose to use the recent death of Robin Williams as a platform for a call to action. This will be my opinion only that has been formed by over 22 years spent (as an observer of life) in Emergency Medical Services. You are free to agree or disagree with my commentary, but I feel that this is a golden opportunity for us all to have a national conversation about behavioral health.  Not just for a few weeks after his death, but for all time.

       As the days passed, we learned that Mr. Williams died from an apparent suicide (the medical examiner's official cause of death has not been released yet).  We were also informed by the mainstream media that he struggled for many years with both depression and addiction for which he sought help several times.   It is not for us to judge why, or even seek the exact reason, Mr. Williams took his own life.  In the end, only he truly knows that.  Maybe he left a note, and maybe he didn't.  What is more important is that a high profile person has brought both the topics of suicide and depression into the national spotlight once again.

        Every year Americans spend probably into the billions on preventative maintenance for our homes and cars.  We even spend enormous amounts of money to maintain our body and spirit in the form of gym memberships, yoga classes, swimming, running, and organized sports.  Moreover, we have started to take up green living as a way to improve the position of our overall health.  However, I feel we invest very little in the preventative maintenance of our own behavioral health before it becomes a serious issue.  Let me show you what I mean.

     Let's say for instance that you are at your place of employment and a co-worker starts to complain of sudden onset chest pain and difficulty breathing.  He/she appears very sweaty, pale, and cool to the touch.  I am pretty sure that most people would get involved and call 911 for an ambulance in order to get this person help very quickly.  Now take that same person, a normally upbeat and productive worker, and put them in a different set of circumstances.  Over several weeks you notice that this person becomes socially withdrawn, angry at life, and his or her work performance has started to slip.  How many people can honestly say that they would feel comfortable approaching this person to ask them what is wrong.  Would we be more apt to shy away out of fear that this person would lash out or tell us to mind our own business?  I leave that up to you to decide how you would work through this scenario.

     All too often when it comes to behavioral health or imbalances of the mind, the subject gets swept under the rug or locked behind closed doors.  This attitude is something that is very prevalent in the fire service.  To seek help in this arena is seen as a sign of weakness. Therefore, many firefighters would rather suffer in silence than to admit they need help.  I find this to be also true for our society as a whole.  If you struggle with a mood disorder such as depression or even if you feel mentally out of sorts,  I implore you to seek out a behavioral health specialist who is qualified to guide you on the road to mental wellbeing. Being that we live in a high stress society, it would not hurt to do a spring cleaning of the mind every once in awhile. Also, if you know someone who seems to be struggling with daily life, take the chance and say something.  They will thank you for it later.

     Robin Williams left us with a tremendous body of work as both an actor and a comedian. His God given talent to entertain was a true gift.  He was also very public about his battle with addiction and depression.  His life, and death, can be the greatest lesson (gift) to us all.  I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and hope that one day they will help to inspire a dialogue about mental wellbeing and self care strategies to that end.  This can be his greatest legacy that will last for the ages.  Let us all learn from this somber moment in our history as well as challenge the national conversation.  We are placed on this earth for only a moment and it should be our mission to leave it a little better off than we found it.  Life is one big lesson in learning, so do just that.

"Everyone is my teacher.  Some I seek.  Some I subconsciously attract.  Often I learn simply by observing others.  Some may be completely unaware that I'm learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude."

-Eric Allen

A Quick Primer on the Ebola Virus

     In the past couple of weeks, one of the hottest news topics is about the Ebola virus outbreak in Western Africa. In today's post I will provide you with a summary of information that was found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to help you, my reader's become better informed about this topic.  I refer you to the direct link for the CDC's website which contains more comprehensive information (highlighted in the previous sentence).

What is the Ebola Virus?

     Ebola hemorrhagic fever is one type of many Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (2014).  Ebola can often be fatal to humans, monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees.  According to the CDC, those that have researched and studied Ebola outbreaks believe the virus is spread  by an animal, such as a bat being the most likely culprit (2014).  There are five different subtypes of Ebola of which four have been caused by animals that are native to Africa.

How is Ebola Transmitted?

     The CDC tells us that the scientists have yet to prove how the viral infection first begins in the human population, but believe it starts with one patient coming into contact with an infected animal (2014).  The virus can be spread through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.  The Huffington Post adds that bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, and urine have to make direct contact with orifices (openings) such as the eyes, ears, nose, and open wounds for one to become infected with the disease (2014).  Another form of transmission would be direct contact with objects like a needle or surgical instrument that contains infected secretions. Family members are often infected because they come into close contact with infected relatives.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ebola?

     The CDC lists the following as common signs and symptoms:

·         Headache, fever,  achy joints and muscles

·         General weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting

·         Abdominal pain and lack of appetite (2014)

     It is interesting to note that the flu can cause any of the above listed signs and symptoms as well.  Therefore, one should not believe they have the Ebola virus at first appearance of these outward signs.

     The CDC tells us that some patients may exhibit the following:

·         Rash, red eyes, hiccups and a cough

·         Sore throat, chest pain, difficulty breathing/swallowing

·         Internal or external bleeding (2014)

     Again, I caution you, the reader not to panic as any of these signs and symptoms can occur do to a variety of illnesses or conditions.  If you have any concerns about your health in general, please see your licensed healthcare provider.  The CDC further relates that first appearance of post-exposure symptoms can occur anywhere from two days to three weeks after a direct contact with infected fluids has occurred.  However, eight to ten days is more common (2014).

   The website notes that some infected patients can recover from Ebola infection and some don't.  It is not clear why this happens but scientists believe those that die did not have a well developed immune response to Ebola at the time of infection.

Am I at Risk for Exposure?

     As of this writing, the CDC states that all deaths or illness due to Ebola have occurred in Africa.  During this current outbreak, those most at risk are both healthcare workers and family members who are treating or caring for sick patients respectively (2014).

How to Prevent the Spread of Ebola

Education: A better informed public.

     One key method of preventing the spread of the Ebola virus is educating both healthcare workers and the general population.  A better informed populace will help to quell widespread panic.  The CDC provides the following as protective measures for healthcare workers:

·         body substance isolation precautions (gloves, gowns, masks and goggles)

·         Isolating infected persons from the general public

·         Sterilize all equipment, furniture, and rooms in contact with the infected patients

Body Substance Isolation Precautions
 

     This post is just a quick educational primer about the Ebola virus and by no means provides complete information about this important topic.  I did not discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this virus as it is beyond the scope of this blog.  My intent was to provide basic information as well as refer the reader to cited sources.  I encourage you to do additional reading about this topic and consult your licensed healthcare provider should you have any remaining questions. 

    The information in this post is current as of August 6th, 2014 and any noted statistics on the website may change as this outbreak develops.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014).  About Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/about.html on 8/6/2014.

HuffPost Healthy Living (2014).  The Most Destructive Myths About Ebola Virus, Debunked.  Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/06/ebola-myths_n_5655662.html on 8/6/2014.