The USA is one of the most unhealthy countries in the world with 2/3s of its population obese. We are now living in an age where our children will live a shorter lifespan than their parents because of the food which they are being fed.  This CAN all change. We can make the change that is needed. It is time for us to teach our kids about food and healthy eating!

Please watch this video and pass it along…this is our nation’s future.

A big thank you to Jamie Oliver for helping spread the word and for promoting healthy awareness throughout the world!

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

I am full of energy! Eating healthy, exercising regularly and supplementing all help!

You may have seen CoQ10 in health food stores and wondered what all the hype is about.  Well many cardiologists are calling it a wonder drug, even though it is an all natural supplement.  My own anti-aging doctor prescribes high doses of CoQ10 to his patients with heart issues.  He puts the rest of his patients (like me) on a preventive daily dose.

The compound is called ubiquinol and it is the active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) that your body can readily use.  This is actually the only form of CoQ10 that humans can use.  According to Dr. Mercola, if you are over 25, you need the reduced form of Co Q10, ubiquinol.  If you are under 25, your body is capable of converting Co Q10 from the oxidized to the reduced form.

Ubiquinol is CoQ10 that has been converted into a substance necessary for use in cellular energy production. Therefore, supplementing with CoQ10 can help boost your body’s cellular energy production. CoQ10 limits our body’s free radical production and therefore affects the aging process (wow!).

Benefits of CoQ10

(from Dr. Mercola’s site):

1. Help you produce more energy for your cells*
Act as a catalyst in your body’s various chemical reactions, leading to the production of energy.*
Ignite your body’s engine by jump-starting energy production in your cells.*
You’ll enjoy your new-found energy and stamina levels.*

2. Boost your heart health*
Help strengthen your overall cardiovascular system.*
Maintain and balance the critical energy level needed in your body’s most vital muscle… your heart.*

3. Act as an antioxidant to help protect you from free radicals*
Provide your body with added defense against oxidation stress to your cells, tissues, and organs.*
Help recharge other antioxidant nutrients to their active states — and keep them working for you.*

4. Help you reduce the signs of normal aging*
Help you potentially feel more alert and responsive.*
By keeping blood levels high in Co Q10, help you maintain your vitality.*

5. Help you maintain blood pressure levels within the normal range*
Promote healthy blood circulation in your body and a more efficient heart.*
Research indicates maintaining proper levels of Co Q10 can help you maintain normal blood pressure levels.*

6. Provide a boost to your immune system*
Help promote your healthy immune system.*
Help support your immune system by providing a defense against free radicals.*

7. Support your nervous system*
Help promote an active mind.*
Your brain is one of the most active organs in your body and requires uninterrupted energy.*

Plus a few more adventages…

• Support healthy gums*
• Boost your body’s immune system*
• Help maintain normal blood sugar levels*
• Support muscle recovery from intensive workouts*
• Promote normalization of your weight*
• Replenish your CoQ10 levels if you’re taking a statin drug*

You can read more about the benefits of CoQ10 on Dr. Mercola’s website and also watch his video.  He also offers 2 amazing CoQ10 supplements.

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

In this telling three-part video series, you’ll find out why Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon, describes MSG as a dangerous excitotoxin, and learn how this toxin could be making you fat.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

Dr. Russell Blaylock is a brain surgeon and wrote the book "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills"

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most harmful food additives on the market and is used in canned soups, crackers, meats, salad dressings, frozen dinners, some baby foods and much more.  It actually enhances the flavor of foods, making processed meats and frozen dinners taste better, salad dressings more tasty, and canned foods less tinny.

In the book ‘Breakthrough’, Dr. Russell Blaylock explains that MSG is an excitotoxin which basically ‘excites’ neurons to death.  Excitotoxins cause neurons to fire their impulses rapidly until they die of exhaustion, which is how neuroscientists came to name these substances.

Many adverse effects have been linked to regular consumption of MSG, including:

• Obesity
• Cancer
• Brain damage
• Heart damage
• Eye damage
• Fatigue and disorientation
• Depression
• Damage to fetuses
• Fertility issues
• Migraines

It is important for your health to avoid consuming MSG!  It can be hidden in products by using less scary sounding names, so you MUST read labels. I was dismayed to find “autolyzed yeast extract” on the label of an organic soup broth that I used, thinking it was a healthy product.  I had no idea this was another name for MSG!  I now cook my own chicken broth in large batches and freeze it as I could not find any chicken broth without MSG.

Here is a list of ingredients that ALWAYS contain MSG (from Dr. Mercola):

These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:

The best way to avoid MSG is to cook your own meals and use natural spices from foods and herbs.  Stay away from fast foods and processed foods and learn to cook naturally and, as mentioned earlier, be sure to read labels!

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

PS The Truth In Labeling website outlines more hidden sources of MSG.

References:

“Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness” by Suzanne Somers
The Shocking Dangers of MSG You Don’t Know – Dr. Mercola

Melatonin delays aging and is a powerful antioxidant which reduces risk of cancer.

One of the first things my anti-aging doctor did was have me take 2.5mg of melatonin (sublingual) every night when heading off to sleep.  He said this was one of the biggest anti-cancer things I could do for myself and recommends anyone over the age of 30 take melatonin at night. As we get older, our body stops producing as much melatonin.

Melatonin is a sleep hormone and is secreted by the pineal gland in a circadian rhythm.   It is released when we are in a dark room so when you’re working at your computer late at night, this will interfere with your melatonin production and you may have a hard time sleeping.  Just the small amount of light from your clock can interfere with the production of melatonin.  I personally have light blocker blinds in my bedroom, do not have a bright clock and sleep in total darkness.  If you can’t make your room dark, it is a good idea to wear eye covers.

Melatonin delays aging, puts us into regenerative sleep, and is a powerful antioxidant in the brain.  It has been shown to increase life span of animals, reduce cancer, and helps boost the immune system.  There are also studies that show melatonin and other antioxidants help protect us from the damage of cell phone exposure (Archives of Medical Research in 2005 and Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry in 2006).  Dr. Tsuyoshi Hondou showed that even if you do not use a cell phone, you cannot get away from microwave radiation (like secondhand smoke), so non-cell phone users may also want to look for this protection.

Dr. Howard Liebowitz says that melatonin is an aromatase inhibiter and is vital for hormonal balance for both men and women.

Dr. Prudence Hall also speaks about melatonin in Breakthrough and says it is actually considered to be neuron protective, and there are studies showing how it can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Some benefits which are outlined in one of my favorite health books, “Breakthrough“:

• Powerful antioxidant and captures damaging free radicals.
• Protects heart & arteries and reduces risk of heart disease.
• Reduces risk of cancer due to antioxidant properties.
• In labs, has been shown to inhibit growth of cancer cells.
• Critical for bone building.
• Protects the pancreas and the organs and the immune system.
• Relaxes muscles, relieves tension, reduces stress and anxiety, and lowers blood pressure.

Remember, if you start taking melatonin to over come sleep issues and you haven’t been able to sleep properly in years, you may have to wait a while before your circadian rhythm adjusts.

Another interesting fact that I found is that MSG inhibits melatonin product which is just one more reason to stay away from this harmful food additive!

Almost everyone can afford this supplement as it is inexpensive.  You can buy melatonin online here.  This is the brand which my anti-aging doctor recommends which is sublingual (dissolves under your tongue).

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

References:

“Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness” – Suzanne Somers
“The Bone Building Solution” – Sam Graci, Dr. C. Demarco, Dr. Leticia Rao

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

Mammograms – Yes, No, Maybe So?

Suzanne Somers speaks about the realities of mammograms in regards to safety and effectiveness. Dr. Blaylock, an oncologist, brain surgeon, and neuroscientist, states the radiation we receive from yearly mammograms actually increases our risk for cancer.

Somers speaks about other screening options such as thermography, MRI’s and ultrasounds.  This article definitely provides some food for thought!

I have read 2 of Suzanne Somer’s books – “Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness” and “Knockout: Interviews with doctors who are curing cancer and how to prevent getting it in the first place”.  I highly recommend these books as they are full of incredible information from some of the nation’s best preventive doctors.

To your health,

Kim
You Be Healthy

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

PS. Suzanne Somers has since posted another related article ‘Dr. Russell Blaylock on Mammograms and “Testiculograms”‘.

I am a true believer in these concepts!  I used the power of my own mind to heal myself last year when I had knee (ACL) surgery. I implemented many different ‘mind’ techniques before and after surgery.  I know these helped heal my knee quickly.  The day before my knee surgery, I ran a 1 hour technical mountain trail with ease! I was out kite surfing 2 months after the surgery and my surgeon, one of the best in the nation, was blown away and called me a ‘phenomenon’. He told me to keep doing whatever I was doing as he had never seen a case like me before! (see below for 2 knee surgery related blog posts on what I did)

The power of our mind is HUGE.  If you change your thoughts, you literally can change your life.

Here are 2 posts related to my knee surgery journey:

Already Weeks Ahead In Recovery
I’m A Miracle

To your health,

Kim
You Be Healthy

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

Don’t confuse Oil of Oregano with the spice found in your kitchen!  The common ‘cooking’ oregano is usually Origanum Marjoram, while Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare.

Oil of Oregano contains 2 phenols called carvacrol and thymol, which have strong antimicrobial properties.  Studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans. Both carvarcol and thymol act as free radical scavengers, also known as antioxidants.

It is also antifungal and may be highly effective in fighting yeast, especially Candida albicans. It has been demonstrated to kill Aspergillus Mold, Staphylococcus  food poisoning), E. Coli, and Giardia, among other pathenogic organisms.

Oil of Oregano contains compounds called terpenes which have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. This means it can be used topically on cuts to prevent infections, on gums to reduce pain, and on fungal infections.

Benefits

(from www.candida-cure-recipes.com)

Oil of Oregano Benefits – Topical Treatment for Fungal Infections of Skin or Nails

Oil of Oregano is one of the best topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails. Mix 5 – 10 drops with one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil to apply to fungal skin infections, or use it straight on toenails and fingernails. You can also apply it in full strength to warts. Remember to dilute it with olive oil or coconut oil before applying it to sensitive areas of your skin. Don’t apply it in full strength to your genital areas, it will feel like its burning. I’m not kidding when I say this stuff is strong.

Oil of Oregano Benefits – Topical Treatment for Oral Hygiene & Oral Infections

You can safely apply Oregano Oil in full strength to your teeth and gums where there is infection present. This is great for canker sores or inflamed gums.

It also kills the bacteria that cause plaque, so you might like to try adding a drop to your toothpaste before brushing your teeth.

Oil of Oregano Benefits – Decongestant and Anti-Allergy

Oregano Oil contains natural antihistamines and decongestants. I have tried this for myself and it works. I am prone to spring pollen allergies and late summer hay fever allergies. I have taken 5 or 6 drops of Oregano Oil diluted with olive oil in a small shot glass of water, followed by another glass of water and the relief is noticeable. Less sneezing, less congestion, less itchy eyes and nose.

Oil of Oregano Benefits – Anti-inflammatory, Pain Reliever

Taken internally, as well as applied topically, diluted Oregano Oil will be of great relief to people suffering from arthritis, joint pain, and tendonitis. When your joints or tendons are inflamed, diluted Oregano Oil applied topically can penetrate deeply beneath the skin’s surface to help reduce swelling and pain. Taken internally it acts as a powerful pain reliever.

I found these possible side effects (from homeremediesweb.com):

• Oregano oil may reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. Therefore, it is recommended that any regular use be combined with regular consumption of iron supplements. For this reason, pregnant women are advised not to take Oil of Oregano regularly.
• People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may be sensitive to Oil of Oregano as well, since they are in the same family of plants. If any skin irritation, rashes, or vomiting occurs when using it, it is recommended that you discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Just a heads up – it is VERY strong!  Be sure to mix it with a little water when taking internally.

It is important to get a high quality Oil of Oregano product.  My health food store friends recommend Oregenol.  I’ve gone through many bottles of it!

As usually, do your own research and consult with your natural health professional if you are unsure as to whether you should use Oil of Oregano.

To your health,

Kim

PS  You can look at my Products page to see the Oil of Oregano (Oreganol) that I use.

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy

References:

www.candida-cure-recipes.com/oil-of-oregano-benefits.html
www.homeremediesweb.com

I enjoyed the healthy food from Mana Foods in Paia on our trip!

I am now home from a wonderful trip to Maui!  We went to Maui to kite surf as our main activity as the wave sailing there is just incredible.  We did many other things such as stand up paddle board surfing, surfing, and checked out all the great sites.  We stayed in Paia which is an old plantation town on the North Shore of the island.

The one and only grocery store in Paia is called Mana Foods.  This is not your typical grocery store!  I was in heaven here. The produce section featured local, organic produce and there were fruits/veggies there that I’d never even seen before.  They had boxes of passion fruit, one of my favorite types of fruit, so I had at least 4 a day!

This is me kitesurfing in the incredible waters of Kanaha, Maui.

They also have a vegan salad bar which features organic salads, pastas, quinoa and so much more.  Every morning I went for a run and did yoga on the beach followed by a visit to Mana Foods on the way home to pick up our lunch – a raw food wrap.  It was delicious!

They also have a great selection of fresh fish which we cooked up for dinners and ate with our incredible salads.

Mana Foods also has its own bakery which bakes wheat free and vegan goods, with specialty breads and pastries.  Yum.  Around the corner is the “vitamin room” which carries great products (great prices too).  This was another one of my favorite areas of the store!

If you are heading to Maui, I highly recommend stopping by Mana!

To your health,

Kim

You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy