Cancer Quick Facts

 Amazing the difference A year will make. Last June Ryan was carrying Ryder on all of our hikes in a backpack.  We definitely got a lot of sideways looks  during that time because he was so big but he just didn’t have the stamina. To see him now though, you just see a little boy living his hard earned best life.

Childhood Cancer. Why do kids get cancer? What can be done? What therapies are best? How do parents maintain  a positive emotional and mental state?  All of these topics and more will be covered on the Gene Queen Podcast: Childhood Cancer with Ryan Sternagel interview. 

It was 11 days before our sons Ryder’s birthday on May 16, 2014 that he was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system. After stopping chemotherapy,  The Sternagel’s consulted countless doctors  and other health experts of  all disciplines to employ an integrative approach. . . that cut the amount of conventional treatment Ryder received in half.  It was through this integrative mix of super nutrition, complementary therapies and energy medicine.  Along with a lot of prayer and healthy lifestyle changes that today Ryder is cancer free.

During pregnancy, Teddy was in a continually stressful and mentally draining work situation…. Coupled with the physical chronic stressor of the EMFs resulting from a      tech-heavy job… Combined with the acute stress of a car accident…
We’ll never know for sure of course…
But it’s very interesting given this information that Ryder was born with a cancer                of the NERVOUS system.

Neuroblastoma.
As such, as we continue to ensure he is fully healed, we’re particularly interested                in regulating his autonomic nervous system.
Sympathetic (fight or flight) vs parasympathetic (rest and digest).
And Ryder seems to know a good thing when he feels it.
We’ve done deep breathing for a long time, but he’s REALLY taken to these box breaths lately. Also known as square breathing. Breath in, hold, breath out, hold, all for the same number of seconds.  It’s super calming  and studies have  also shown it to down-shift the nervous system… So it’s not surprising (yet highly pleasing) that he can’t get enough of it.

Bob Wright of the American Anti-Cancer Institute was our first “cancer coach.”
Amazing looking back at how things happen.
Bob is known around the world, yet lives in our old home state of Washington.
Immediately after Ryder was diagnosed, a friend pointed us to a friend, who               pointed us to Bob.
Within days of diagnosis, Bob was spending hours on the phone with us                      helping cut through the clutter to what was really important…
Refusing any form of payment for his services.
His book, Killing Cancer – Not People, was the first cancer book we read                             and was never far from our side in the early days.
It was with us late nights in the hospital, at home, and even made a very                       helpful companion at the grocery store.
And perhaps best of all were the many stories of hope it included from                               folks who had “beat the odds.”
Just as we were determined to do.
That was when it was in its third edition and had already sold hundreds                                of thousands of copies, literally all over the world…
The fourth edition just came out… and look who’s featured in those stories!!!
There have been so many amazing full circle moments over the past couple years,             but this one just might take the cake.
It’s truly an honor to be featured as part of work that’s already helped so many and             to know that Ryder’s story is now immortalized in this book and find its way to those      that need it in the future.
If a DETAILED (like down to preferred brand names and prices detailed) book on reversing cancer…
Based off decades of research and written a passion that after all this time still jumps        off the page…
Would be helpful to you…
It’s quite the feeling seeing this, after having just crossed the five year mark since              the day he was diagnosed with stage four cancer…
Ryder’s favorite part of this chapter, the one that he asks about most, are the verses following The Good Shepherd passage…
“The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.”
Jesus seems to be saying here that it doesn’t really matter what He says, it’s what              He does. As Ryder heads into his sixth year, our greatest hope is that we can guide         him to center his thoughts and emotions on the Will of his Creator…
And take action to reflect it.
He’ll probably take to that just fine.
Hopefully, some of it will rub off on us…
And maybe a few others as well.
It’s been quite the six years buddy, you’ve taught us so much.
You are, and have, such a special gift.
And although we often feel like we’re not doing enough to nurture it…
Given the circumstances we’ve probably done alright by you.
We can’t wait to see what the next years bring…
And pray that your fascination with The Good Shepherd stays with you…
And that you do Him proud, as much so as we are of you now, in modeling it.
But one day before his sixth birthday, Ryder has mastered John 10 as well.
We’re so proud of our Ryder man!

Ryan and Teddy Sternagel are co-founders of The Stern Method, a platform           informing and inspiring families going through cancer to succeed on all fronts.                The Stern Method | Inspiration & Suggestions

Please:
Attend The Anti-Cancer Revolution online conference beginning June 17th
https://anticancerrevolution.com/
Check the Sternagel’s out on social media
https://www.facebook.com/thesternmethod/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1w-DgjbWCcBu_keRUsP5gw
https://thesternmethod.com/

Widen My Vision
(C) HELEN STEINER RICE

God gives me eyes so I may see,
And feel your presence close to me.
Give me strength for my stumbling feet,
As I battle the crowd on life’s busy street,
And widen my vision of my unseeing eyes,
So in passing faces I’ll recognize,
Not just a stranger, unloved and unknown,
But a friend with a heart that is much like,
my own… Give me perception to make me aware,
That scattered profusely on life’s thoroughfare,
Are the best Gifts of God that we daily pass by,
as we look at the world with an unseeing eye.

                                                                     Taking stage in a federal reserve beige, paisley dress,  a wry smile, Susan Boyle          shocked the world with her incongruous performance on “Britain’s Got Talent.”       Gaining the nickname “The Woman Who Silenced Simon Cowell,” also with her     overnight fame  —  overwhelmed the then 47-year-old singer.  She had a minor    breakdown — shortly after rising to fame,  however,   has since turned it around,                 so what is she up to these days?

Susan Boyle’s Early Life
Susan Boyle was born on April 1st, 1961 in Blackburn, Scotland. Her parents, Irish migrants Patrick and Bridget Boyle, were a miner and shorthand typist respectively.       She was born the youngest of 8 children and suffered birthing complications, being deprived of oxygen for a short time. This led to a misdiagnosis of brain damage.                    A more recent analysis from doctors has revealed Susan Boyle suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, a developmental disorder…. on the autistic spectrum. The diagnosis would explain her musical focus and her lack of close personal relationships.
The town of Blackburn isn’t exactly known for music, and school was no real refuge         for the young Susan Boyle. Kids can smell difference and she was mercilessly mocked       by peers for her perceived simple-mindedness. She left school with few qualifications,     but was undeterred and redoubled her efforts in mastering her voice. She would spend   her free time practicing and seeing the occasional show to listen to professional singers. She saw Les Misérables for the first time shortly after leaving school and she fell in love with the song that would make her famous, I Dreamed a Dream.

In 1995  Susan auditioned for the Michael Barrymore talent show  “My Kind of People.”       Her performance never made it to television, but I was able to find candid footage of the event. She sang as well as you would imagine, but the event was marred by the audience’s jeers and Barrymore’s juvenile antics,  at one point laying on the floor  and attempting to see up her skirt, at this point Barrymore was still in the closet. It’s a sad thing to think she could have seen recognition for her talents much sooner.

As The World Always Turns Upside Down
She lost her father in 1997 and had to put her dreams of stardom on hold to look after    her mother. Bridget, her mother, was her biggest fan though,  it was her that encourage Susan Boyle to get back out there and take part in competitions and Karaoke again. She cut a demo tape in 1999 and sent it to record labels and radio shows. Unfortunately, she was hit with another tragedy in 2000 when her sister Kathleen died of an Asthma attack. She took the loss hard and threw her emotions into her music.
She started singing lessons in 2002, with voice coach Fred O’Neil. That year she appeared in numerous benefits and local shows.  She was hit with a final tragedy in 2007, when her mother passed away. Unlike with her sister’s death, which made her refocus, her mother’s death drove Susan Boyle into a hermitage. She didn’t sing for nearly 2 years and spending her time seeing to elderly neighbors and her local church. Then In 2008 her singing coach convinced her to try out for “Britain’s Got Talent” and in 2009 she did.

Susan Boyle International Stardom
Susan Boyle’s studio quality voiced juxtaposed with her homely looks flabbergasted        the cynical audience, she received a standing ovation before hitting her first crescendo. She made it to 2nd place in the competition overall, losing to the dance troupe Diversity    in the final.  There were accusations of online voting fraud at the time,  and considering how easy it is to set up a voting script there may well be truth to the claims.  Her début album was released in 2009, called I Dreamed A Dream, It sold extremely well, topping the charts in both the UK and the USA.

The following year she released a Christmas album. She held a small competition before the release of the Christmas record,  The Gift, the winner of which got to perform a duet with her on the album. She released her third album in 2011, Someone to Watch Over Me, which again hit the number one spot in the UK.  Another album followed in 2012, though it did not sell quite as well.  She made her acting début in 2013 — as Eleanor Hopewell in “The Christmas Candle.”

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Max Locado. Which is Set in 9th century English village of Cotswolds, about the simple townsfolk in need of a miracle. Susan Boyle said at the time; “I can’t believe I’m making a film. I’m very excited to be         a part of The Christmas Candle. Also everyone on set is a delight to work with and it’s          a fantastic experience to be part of the team.”  She sang an original song for the film, Miracle Hymn, which was featured in her fifth album Home For Christmas.

What is Susan Boyle Doing Now?
Susan Boyle has had a musical based on her life made, opening in 2012 it received   positive reviews and went on to tour the UK and Ireland. Fox Searchlight has since purchased the film rights and it is in pre-production.

Her last album released in 2014, with nothing appearing from the singer at all in 2015. Seems she took a year out to actually enjoy her new-found fame, showing up at various venues and festivals to just have a good time. I’m glad to see it. Her holding companies have drawn in a combined $3.5 million dollars, showing the Susan Boyle brand is still a hot commodity. She has begun dating for the first time in her life, seeing a man close to her own age. It is confirmed – Susan Boyle is back in the studio recording new material,   set for release at the beginning of 2017, though that is now in jeopardy.

Simon Cowell resigned the singer to his label for a multi-album deal, despite the lackluster performance of her November release.  She failed to have a charting single for over 4 years now, and she cites her worsening Asperger’s Syndrome as the reason. . . behind her lack of touring. She has seen much success from her company holdings, with them also posting a 2.2 million pound profit this past week. At the very least she is set for life.

Singing farmer’s win nearly upstaged by Susan Boyle’s ‘Wild Horses’                         (Although performance is from January 2019.)  🙂

                                                                                                                 Tomorrow Never Comes, As Tomorrow is Always Today.

Kevin skinner winner of 2008 audition of America’s Got Talent. His audition moved and helped     me get over the depression of my father’s death from cancer two years earlier. It was how Kevin an honest hard working man. . .told that he worked in Kentucky as chicken catcher and was introduced as Jobless farmer. Farmers catch chickens around my area all the time and is an every day job.
What the hell do people think … chickens run to there dinner tables …. they don’t line         up and say kill me, why do we laugh at a persons job. And bewildered me that everybody laughed at him. After he completed the performance he gets a standing ovation and was praised by the judges and the whole world loved him.It’s so sad people laugh at such a humble person before they find out what a genuine person   they can be. He also seemed like a nice guy. He did a great job. He has two talents,   his singing and how to shut up an unsuspecting crowd in 2secs.
I knew he was the real deal when he had a baseball cap on the wrong way round instead     of a cowboy hat. The only nice judge there was Hoff, he was respectful. Also with Sharon laughing like a dying hyena at him and with Sharon married to Ozzie. I felt…do we laugh     at her family. While Piers turned his nose up like he did with Susan Boyle.

Then make out they are best friends when they win!!
I always thought Garth was pretty authentic as a performer, but this comes off as so amazingly genuine. I never judge the book by the cover! Its that moment at 2:45 when Kevin nods his head while singing “…just what you’re thinking of..” is just so powerful. Gives me chills. Something fitting about the video… is when Kevin listen to the judges responses Love the song.… I’ll be by Edwin McCain…. Strikes Home. Thanks Kevin 🙂

When Kevin Skinner first stepped on the America’s Got Talent stage, they couldn’t help but laugh at this ‘hillbilly’ performer. With a guitar in hand, he left the judges speechless. It also takes courage to get up on stage in front of millions, but this Kentucky native gave everyone the shock of a lifetime. With his thick country accent, and stories of his chicken catching days, no one knew exactly what to expect. Even making a comment… about his lack of education when asked about how many chickens he has caught.

“I’m not math…real good at math”
This introduction didn’t leave the judges confident in his professionalism or talent.         But he showed everyone! When he began to sing the Garth Brooks classic,

“If Tomorrow Never Comes”, they were speechless.
“If Tomorrow Never Comes” was released by Brooks in 1989 as the second single from     his Garth Brooks album. The hit peaked #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and remains a popular song today. Being Brooks’ first love song, it has special meaning compared to others featured on the record.  Kevin went on to win the fourth season of America’s Got Talent, showing everyone – you should never judge a book by its cover.

Watch as this chicken catcher wows millions!
He beat an opera singer from Houston, a recycled-instrument percussion group from  New  Hampshire, the Texas Tenors and the singing siblings Voices of Glory. And though his victory was almost upstaged by the American debut of another talent-show phenom, Susan Boyle, singing “chicken catcher” and farmer Kevin Skinner of Mayfield, Kentucky, triumphed taking the top prize on the fourth season of “America’s Got Talent.” However,
Unfortunately, Skinner seems to have completely disappeared from the limelight.

So where has Kevin Skinner been hiding himself these last few years?

What’s Kevin Skinner Doing Now – Recent Updates
Kevin Skinner has not had a good time of it since winning America’s Got Talent back in 2009. He won a decent sum of money, that coveted $1 million prize, and choose to put it  in an annuity.  A smart move, as many people find themselves broke after spending right their way through any amount of winnings, but shortly after the show, his wife left him.

It did a number on him, and he fell into a depression.
His shows in Vegas sold well,  but that gig only lasted so long.  In 2010,  he released his    debut record,  and sadly  it was not very well received.  It sold,  because all America’s Got Talent records sell, but figures fell off pretty well,  but it did not make it into the Billboard Hot 200. This career downslide so soon after the high of America’s Got Talent exacerbated his already fragile mental state, and he withdrew from the public eye. In 2014 he withdrew from his families eye as well, with them reporting him missing.
He was found a few days later, uninjured. He sought help in coping with his illness,          but it is unlikely that we will be seeing Kevin Skinner anytime soon. I wish him the       best, as I am sure all his other fans do also.

                                                                                                            Kevin Skinner – Career Highlights

Kevin Skinner born on February 25th, 1974 in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky. He grew up in Dublin,  in Graves County Kentucky,  not Ireland,  and was surrounded by music from a young age.  He was given a guitar for his 12th birthday and has been writing and playing ever since.  His father was also a fan of the legendary Country musician Hank Williams, the man had good taste, you can hear the Williams influence on Skinners’ work.

Before auditioning for America’s Got Talent he worked as a chicken catcher, claiming     that he and his buddies set a record  of  60,000 chickens in one night. A chicken catcher     is someone who works for a farmer, they go in, grab the chickens and transport them for processing. The work is grueling, disgusting, and exactly what it sounds like. Working a round chicken’s.  The smell alone would kill you and it hurts to be laughed at.
It took great courage to auditioned for the fourth season of America’s Got Talent, with    his live performance airing on the August 4th, 2009 episode.  He played a cover of Garth Brooks’  If Tomorrow Never Comes  with his own unique sound  and he was unanimously voted into the next round.  Winning over the audience and  fans for his quiet unassuming personality, and top-notch country skill. He went on to win the competition, with his final performance,  a cover of Aerosmith’s  I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,  receiving a standing ovation.

 Emotional Stressors: It does, however,               it does not affect every body uniformly. Most people want to know why emotional        stress cause breast cancer and why it occurs in some people rather than in others.         Some of the answers depend on how far people can cope with emotional stress &     trauma.

If you are vulnerable to breast cancer there are chances that you can easily succumb           to stress and trauma that life will put in your way. More so, you may likely be a stickler. Living in fear of negative happenings or fear of failure. When unavoidable events bring about stress and trauma occur you may not be able to cope at all because you have the tendency of being diagnosed with cancer.

Adrenaline is said to be the hormone that removes sugar from the cell. When sugar             is produced in excess in cells it makes the body – to become filled with too much acid. Making the body cell deprived of oxygen  and cancer cells are said to survive better in stumpy oxygen condition. What this means is that you should not allow yourself to go through so much stress as it provide the chance for cancer cells to grow well.

Do you know that cancer normally forms in a cellular state?

When stress occurs in the body cells it can cause them to be short of adrenaline from   there the cells become high in sugar and lower in oxygen, making them more susceptible     to becoming cancerous.  Treatment of breast cancer — comes in different stages and also categories. Hence if you are diagnosed with breast cancer you will need to know the level the tumor has grown to,  your age and  status of your menopause  and other factors that might influence the treatment.   Healing Leukemia:  with Laura Starflower

Stress – Mental and Emotional Cause of Cancer
How can you live a stress free life and prevent cancer and other health problems?              By learning to manage your cortisol stress hormone levels and by putting the mental/ emotional stress in your life in the proper perspective. Once you know how to balance     the physical factors of sleep, diet & exercise . . . . along with the mental and emotional stresses in your life then you will restore health in your body and mind. This is critical       in any alternative cancer treatment.

The question is how does stress cause cancer?

Dr. Hans Selye gained world-wide recognition for introducing the concept of stress in a medical context. A distinguished physician and endocrinologist, his theories on the role   of organic responses to emotion, illness & injury have revolutionized our understanding    of the causes and mechanisms of disease and of the mind-body connection.

Your pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that produces ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). This hormone, in turn, causes the adrenal glands      (which sit at the top of your kidneys) to make cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone with          some important jobs: It helps regulate your blood pressure

To answer this, one must look at what the stress response does physiologically in the   body. It is a fact that high stress is a major contributing factor to cancer and many other diseases.  Hans Selye, the father of stress research,  said there are two types of stressors, distress and eustress.

Distress is a longer, more damaging response which negatively affects the organs, glands and systems including the immune system.  Eustress is a short term — beneficial stimulus to the system. If you run up and down the stairs ten times you feel invigorated. Now if you run up and down the stairs one thousand times you are exhausted and totally drained, so eustress is health boosting whereas distress is health depleting.

The stress response is controlled by the brain via the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal      axis or HPA axis.  The hypothalamus,  which has been called the brain of the brain, is the part of your brain that senses biochemical changes similar to the thermostat in your house. If certain biochemicals go high or low, it triggers the brain to respond.

The hypothalamus does so by telling the master hormone gland, the pituitary, to send messages to the adrenal glands to secrete  a hormone  called cortisol. When cortisol is at   the proper level it is anti-inflammatory and promotes health. When cortisol goes too high with acute stress or too low with chronic stress,  it also causes your immune and digestive systems to shut down,  inflammation to increase,  blood sugar to rise,  hormones to go out of balance and bones to become osteoporotic. When your cortisol level stays high or low it predisposes you to cancer and many other diseases.

What causes cortisol to go out of balance?
Mental/emotional stress (distress)
Lack of total sleep (8-9.5 hours) and pre-midnight sleep (four hours is ideal)
Diet high in sugar, starch or acid forming foods
Too little or too much exercise.

Cancer forms when cortisol becomes chronically high or low because adrenal exhaustion causes immune system suppression and your immune system is what keeps the individual cancer cells (which everyone has), from growing into colonies called tumors.

The most important stress management plan starts with proper sleep, diet, and exercise along with learning how to change your perception of the situation. When you change your perception you can change your reality and your health. To reduce the mental/emotional distress one must live fully in the moment without spending time thinking about the “if only I would have” past or the “if only I could” future.

If you had excruciating pain in your body, what does your mind say? “I am going to die       if I don’t get out of this pain.” But is this really true? Can you endure the pain for one second? The answer is yes and this is how you will endure any storm in your life, by living one moment at a time instead of living in the past or the future. This type of living keeps your cortisol and immune system in balance and keeps you healthy in mind and body.

Stress and Emotional Problems. the affects of stress on the body is often over looked. When the body and mind is in a state of balance and unity you experience good health. Most people don’t experience a state of perfect harmony so that disease manifest itself!    Watch this video it says a lot.  

11 Natural Ways to Lower Stress.
Stress is conceivably the biggest health challenge facing us today. Stress is implicated in   all chronic diseases,  which cause more deaths in the world than any other factor.  In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 60% of all deaths are a result of chronic diseases. Not only can stress affect physical health,  it also plays a major role in our mental health. Stress can lead to depression,  loss of self- confidence and even suicidal tendencies. Managing stress is vital for your health and happiness. The good news is that it is possible to reduce stress without having to resort to medication, which has numerous negative side effects.

1. Organize Your Life, Thoughts & Emotions.                                                            Disorganization is guaranteed to add to your the stress you have in life. Simple task like time management can be wonderful de-stressors. When we stop to think that every hour wasted is a part of our life wasted,  it makes a lot of sense to get organized. A simple way    to do this is to make a list every evening of what you need to do the next day.  Prioritize  the items in order of importance.  S0 do the most important things first.  Another great  de-stressor is to tidy up. Clutter causes stress because you can’t find things and because    it creates a negative picture in your mind that puts you on edge.

2. Exercise
Numerous studies have shown that exercise greatly helps to reduce stress and improve overall health. The Nurse’s Study showed that women who go from no exercise to just one hour a week cut their risk of heart attack by an amazing 50 percent.  You don’t have to run a marathon or sweat it out in the gym.  A brisk thirty minute walk will do wonders for you. Disciplines like yoga and tai chi are great for relieving stress,  helping increase suppleness and flexibility and lower blood pressure.  Exercise releases endorphins, ‘happy hormones’ that improve mood and make you feel better. It also has the added benefit of helping weight management, another factor that often adds to stress.

3. Gratitude
Developing an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ can have an amazing effect on one’s stress levels. Focusing on the things that are going right, and we all have many, helps us realize that things are not as bad as they appear.  The very fact that you woke up this morning is a reason to give thanks, tens of thousands didn’t. The fact that you’re reading this means  you have eyes that work, there are about 160 million people in the world who are blind.  Don’t have a roof over your head,  or clothes to wear,  food to eat,  a job (no matter how stressful) to go to? You’re better off than tens of millions. Learning to appreciate all you   do have, and to stop focusing on the things you don’t have, will have a major impact on reducing your stress levels.

4. Diet
Science is telling us that diet plays a significant role in stress. Studies have shown that  junk food helps to make us depressed, and fat! Also cutting down on processed, packaged     and fast foods will not only reduce your stress levels but also help to improve your overall health.  Sugar depresses the immune system,  too much caffeine will leave you also feeling jittery,  anxious and the Omega 6  found in all processed plant oils  and margarines causes inflammation,  a major contributor to ill health.  Increasing the amount of fresh foods and whole grains in your diet will help improve your mood, give you more energy and improve your ability to cope with stress.

5. Sleep
Current studies show a significant percentage of the US population is not getting enough sleep, a sure way to raise stress levels. Too little sleep leads to irritability, depression and reduced ability to perform mentally and physically, as well as ill health. Establishing good sleeping conditions will help.  Start by establishing  bedtime routines  that tell your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. Things that will assist are going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding eating too late and not watching TV just before going to bed. Taking a hot bath or shower can help relax you before going to bed and certain foods, such as complex (unrefined) carbohydrates  and dairy can help promote sleep,  so a cup of warm milk and    a oatmeal cookie (without masses of sugar) could be just the thing to help you fall asleep.

6. Supplements                                                                                                                            Certain supplements can help reduce stress. Adequate amounts of Calcium also has a wonderful, natural calming effect on the body. The B vitamins help promote the proper functioning of the nervous system  and help prevent depression and stress.  Herbs like chamomile,  passionflower  and lavender  all help to relax and calm.  When you choose supplements,  look for those made from organic,  whole food  (as opposed to synthetic) sources, as these are better utilized by the body, providing superior results. Ensure that you get sustained release B vitamins and chelated calcium and magnesium supplements, so that you get maximum absorption and results.

7. Hobbies and activities                                                                                                               People who have an interesting hobby or activity have been found to have less stress       are able to handle stress better than those who don’t. So ball room dancing, restoring          a vintage car or collecting stamps will all help you handle your stress better. Just the       fact that  you can concentrate  on something  other  than the normal day-to-day grind helps to lighten the mood and reduce stress and depression.  Even more effective are activities that involve other people,  as the social interaction  helps to shift the focus          off one’s self and your problems.

8. Meditate

Many studies and experts recommend meditation as an effective tool for dealing with stress. Best of all, meditation is easy, you don’t need any equipment, it doesn’t take a lot    of time and it is free, you only need your mind. At the simplest level, all you require is to find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably with both feet on the ground. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and rhythmically,  and repeat a positive mantra to yourself.  Saying something like “I feel peaceful, I’m in control, everything is working out just fine.” Clear your mind of all other thoughts and feel yourself relax and unwind. Alternatively, find a recognized meditation teacher and learn a technique that helps you.

9. Get Social                                                                                                                                  Interacting with other people. . .can be a great way to help reduce stress. Getting around positive,  supportive people who will encourage and uplift you is one of the greatest stress relievers there is.  So whether you join a church,  a sports club  or simply get together with friends on a regular basis, the bottom line is to get around people and talk about the things stressing you.  Today we also have the benefit of social media,  so if you’re feeling stressed take a quick break and interact with a Face Book or Twitter friend. At the very least, phone someone and have a chat.

10. Get Outdoors                                                                                                                           There’s something almost magical about getting out into nature.  Over 100 studies have shown that being outdoors, especially in the wilds, or also helps reduce stress and anxiety. One Dutch study found that people who live within  one kilometer (0.6 miles) of a park or wooded area experience less depression and anxiety.  Another study showed that even the view of greenery through a window speeded recovery from surgery, improved productivity and increased job satisfaction. So if you’re suffering from stress, make a plan — to get out into the woods next weekend or visit your nearest park.

11. Music                                                                                                                                               You don’t have to be a genius to know music can evoke strong feelings of pleasure in all  us.  Researchers have shown that listening to soothing music can help reduce stress and anxiety and even lower blood pressure and pulse rates. You don’t need a music therapist, simply create a play list of soothing music, then sit back and allow the music to work its wonders on you.  Alternatively,  tune into one of the hundreds of internet radio stations  that broadcast relaxing music.  If you’re really feeling uptight,  try playing your favorite rock music and singing along at the top of your voice, it’s a great way to blow off steam. Source: http://dailyhealthlifestyles.com/10-24-2016-11-natural-ways-to-lower-stress/

                                                                                                           Have you wondered what causes breast cancer?

Modern medicine probably hasn’t given you a satisfactory explanation.                                 Here are some other perspectives that you might want to consider. One of our primary premises is that cancer and indeed all illness are a result of chronic physical, mental & emotional and other types of stressors. Many healers and experts also hold this opinion.

Let’s understand what causes breast cancer through a symbolic view.
1. Louise Hay, is a vaginal cancer survivor and world-renowned author, also attributes         the development of her own cancer to being raped in early childhood.  In her best-selling  book,  You Can Heal Your Life,  she says that her cancer  was caused because she held on  to the anger and resentment of being raped. Louise speaks of healing herself by letting go of this long-stored emotional turmoil.  This is an example of how emotional stress can lead  to illness.

She further adds, breasts represent mothering, nurturing and nourishment. Breast problems represent a refusal to nourish the self, putting everyone else first and over-mothering, overprotecting and overbearing attitudes. Babies and the unborn can also receive self-devaluation conflicts through their mother.  An unexpected nasty insult  during pregnancy that upsets the mother will also will affect the fetus.

Louise Hay changed my life.
Things that I would never say to another living human being were looping constantly through my brain unchecked throughout the day.  I would never allow anyone to speak     to me like that so I needed to make a change. I learned how to recognize and change my inner dialogue by studying the work of Louise Hay,  one of the world’s greatest teachers and my positivity mentor.
Her work has shown how to create radical change of all kinds in my life. Louise Hay  taught me how to begin to love myself and to learn how to treat myself with value and kindness. It has taken many years of practice.  I now find myself  saying and repeating positive things to myself throughout the day with ease. They are a welcome reprieve      from the incessant, negative self-talk that I used to hear all day.
October 8th would have been Louise’s 93rd birthday. One of the highlights of her life was the release 0f her movie,  You Can Heal Your Life which is one of my very favorite movies and leaves me feeling strong, understood and like I can create any thing at all that I desire. It’s like a session with a half dozen life coaches that gets you into the right frame 0f mind.
So watch this movie and see if it speaks to you. You just may learn a new way to speak to yourself.

This entertaining and inspirational movie based on the best-selling book of the same    name is hosted by author and teacher Louise L. Hay. This film gives penetrating insights into Louise’s fascinating personal story; and shows how her views on self-esteem, and the metaphysical causes behind physical ailments were developed. It reveals how she applied these concepts to her own emotional, spiritual, and professional life.

With many luminaries in the fields of self-help, philosophy, health, spirituality, and       New Thought join Louise, giving their take on success, happiness, and the myriad ways     in which people can heal their own lives.
You Can Heal Your Life  Full Movie Here.
Its Namastay amazing!!

2. Caroline Myss: “Anatomy Of The Spirit.”

The 4th chakra connection!!!
A leading authority in holistic health, and author of many books about the human energy field, Dr. Caroline Myss. . . .makes a correlation between the body’s energy chakras (also described in Yoga texts) and the stresses  that can disturb the flow of life energy, leading     to illness.
There are 7 chakras, starting from the base of the spine and ending at the top of the head. Each chakra supplies life energy to its surrounding organs.
The chest/breast area is served by the 4th or heart chakra. The heart chakra is associated with love, forgiveness and compassion – qualities of the heart.
Breast cancer is caused by a disturbance in the energy flow in this chakra.so lists cancer    as being caused by long-held anger and resentment.

Reflection
Do you consider yourself a caring, nurturing person, prone to being over-caring?
Do you mostly put your needs last?
What resentment do you need to let go of? Whom do you need to forgive?
What emotional memories do you still need to heal? Are there any relationships in         your life that require healing?
Who are the people that you are yet to forgive and what prevents you from letting               go of the pain you associate with them?
Do you ever use emotional wounds to control people or situations?
What have you done that needs forgiving?  Which people are working to forgive you?
Has this article helped? Have you been able to detect what could be the possible causes     of breast pain and probable answers to what causes breast cancer? Leave us a comment. And please share this information with anyone that you think might need it.

First you have to remain hopeful… second you have to do what’s best for you… take care of you. Negative energy is feeding the situation. I am praying for your healing. Healing of the mind, body and soul. All three go together my friend. . . .so firstly, start with positivity. It’s difficult at first, but the Facebook groups are super helpful. Start researching. Read books, such as How to Starve cancer etc.  There are so many other options out there you just have to find what is right for you…. No one knows when it’s our time to go. Negativity feeds the cancer, so I am sending you all the I can do this positive vibes and energy.                               I can. . . You’ve got this 🙂
Stay positive! And look into epigenetics and Bruce Lipton. We can turn genes on and off with our thoughts, the way we live, diet —  so having certain genes like BRCA is not as big  a deal as they would like us to believe. Read Radical Remission. Lots of success stories out there!! I agree wholeheartedly…genetics 5% Epigenetics 95%….Also a positive Mind-set is imperative, absolutely….Deepak Chopra says, “each and every one of our cells hears, feels, and can absorb everything…the good and the bad. . .so to heal. . . .we need to stay positive  energy…believe, believe, believe…..

Caris – Molecular test. This “fingerprint” is created by identifying biomarkers in your tumor at the         level of genetic material (RNA and DNA) and the level of proteins in the tumor.  That provide extensive information about the tumor’s ability to respond to specific drugs.  Most people don’t need this type of  testing.  It’s usually recommended when certain types of cancer run in a family and a gene mutation is suspected. You might consider this type of testing if:   You have several first-degree relatives  (mother,         father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer.

Healing for the body encompasses fitness, nutrition and physical connection. With a clear mind, you will be able to compare the feeling of clarity to a mind controlled by a balance of awareness.  Holistic therapy also focuses  on improving the wellbeing  of the entire person, because mental health and physical health are linked, problems in one area can impact the other. At the same time, improving your physical health. . .can benefit your mental health, and vice versa.
Just like drug or alcohol abuse changes the brain causing it to lose control of its normal functions. When the mind becomes clouded with toxic substances, it ends up suppressing critical thinking, motor skills, and responsibilities. Spiritual healing anchors us — to what makes us human, fallible, and complete in recovery. It keeps us grounded — in our beliefs so we can turn to a higher power, which gives us purpose,  peace,  and security. When the spirit is fed, the mind and body are in harmony for a fulfilling and healthy recovery.

Recovery is a lifelong process. There is always a risk of relapse and challenges in recovery. Develop a plan to avoid high-risk situations. An effective treatment program will help you prepare for lifestyle changes you need to make for a successful recovery.
Though some healthcare professionals may dispute whether alternative holistic approaches are evidence based the majority of addiction counselors will opine that a holistic healing approach is essential to recovery.
In order to first understand what holistic healing is one must understand its’ principles. Holistic Healing is a treatment plan which encompasses the three factors mind, body and spirit and its theory is based in the theology that in order to have a successful recovery one must be “healed” in all three areas: the mind, the body and the spirit. It’s further theorized it is only when all three factors are incorporated is someone able to properly and “wholly” heal from recovery.

Holistic healing includes the following belief systems:

That in order for a body to recover from a depleted nutrition system one must maintain     a healthy diet that will sustain and re-energize the body that has been denied healthy nutrients by addictive-dictated unhealthy diets;
That proper exercise reinvigorates the body and provides the release of endorphins     which leaves the body feeling good;
A regimen of supplements refurbish the depleted body of the addictive individual;
Recognizing and releasing emotions such as anger and resentment that lead to the  triggers to addiction;
That support systems are essential to a successful recovery;
meditation and yoga help relax the body and put you at ease with a concentration             on regaining a strong sense of spirit which includes peace and serenity;
Finally, the act of service to others. It is the theory that in helping others it will              leave you with a strong sense of self-gratification which will nourish your soul.
Healing the Body

Any illness addiction will cause changes to your body and especially your brain.              Your body and brain need time to heal from the illness and adjust to life without substances. There are some things that you can do in the meantime to help your            body heal.

Proper nutrition – During active addiction, most addicts don’t have the money or             the inclination to eat properly. The body may be depleted of the essential nutrients         that it needs to function. A balanced diet with lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables will provide you with the vitamins and minerals you need.
Supplements – Because those who are ill are often deficient of nutrients. Even with   proper nutrition, it is difficult to eat a sufficient variety of foods to get all the vitamins    and minerals the body needs. There are over the counter supplements. . .that can help  with some problems that are common among recovering addicts.  Some examples are melatonin for sleep, and vitamin D for depression.                                                              Always check with your doctor before taking any vitamins and minerals. Even over the counter supplements can sometimes interact with medications that  you take or cause problems with certain disorders.
Water – It’s important to drink plenty of water every day. Your body is composed mostly of water and needs to be replenished to keep your organs in good working order.

Everyone is different and may need different amounts of water.

However, it is recommended that men drink about 13 cups of water and women drink        9 cups of water a day. Exercise – Getting regular exercise will help reduce depression which is common in people recovering from addiction. Exercise releases endorphins  which make you feel good.  Endorphins are the body’s natural morphine.  They also        bind to the same receptors in the brain as pain medication, heroin and other opiates.

Healing the Mind

Your psychological health is just as important as your physical health, and it can be severely damaged by an illness. Recovering patients often have low self-esteem, guilt, shame, depression and anxiety. They are prone to cravings to return to their prior self. During active recovery they often over view life problems, emotions and other issues.        In recovery, the who are ill often needs to learn to use other coping skills to deal with  these issues. There are a lot of things that you can do to help heal your mind.

Here are a few things to try.

Self-esteem – You can improve your self-esteem by changing negative thoughts about yourself. When you notice yourself thinking things like, “I’m stupid” or “I can’t do anything right” make a conscious effort to change these thoughts to something more neutral or positive. Positive self-talk can help improve self-esteem.  Positive self-talk is simply reminding yourself of your good qualities and your strengths. Try this exercise       to improve self-esteem. Write down five to ten of your good qualities.  Pick a couple of these qualities and write a paragraph about why these qualities are important and how they help you in life.
Guilt and Shame – When we do something we know is wrong, we feel guilty. Shame is    also felt. . . .when we internalize guilt and feel we are a bad person because we have done something wrong. Guilt and shame help us to do the right thing in moral situations. While they serve a purpose, they are not meant to be held onto for long periods. To alleviate guilt and shame, try making amends for the wrongs you have committed. Amends can be more than just an apology. They can involve doing something good for the person harmed or the community. Amends do not have to be made directly to the person harmed to be effective.

It is not always possible to make amends directly but doing volunteer work or helping someone anonymously, can help too.People who are depressed tend to dwell on the past and think more negative thoughts than happy people. Try this exercise. . .to let go of the past. Write down all of the things that you are dwelling on.  You can symbolically let go     of the things you wrote down by burning the paper or by attaching it to a balloon while imagining the past floating away with the balloon. Remind yourself you cannot go back and change the past so you need to let go of it.  Also there are obviously some forms of depression that are more serious. . . cannot be relieved so easily.

If your depression persists, interferes with your functioning or you have thoughts                of harming yourself or others, seek professional help. Some depression can be more chemical than psychological and may need medication to be alleviated. Therapy can       also help you work on letting go of the past and learn to think more positively.

Anxiety – People who have anxiety tend to be more focused on the future and worry     about things that might happen. Staying in the present moment and learning about mindfulness can help relieve anxiety. Changing thoughts that start with “what if” or           “I should” can help relieve anxiety. Relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation or yoga can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However like depression,               if your anxiety persists or interferes with your functioning, seek professional help.

Cravings – It is normal for the addicted person to have cravings for their substance            of choice. Having a good support system can help because cravings can stop when you    talk about them. 12 Step groups have a saying, “secrets keep you sick.” This means that when you don’t verbalize a craving & you keep it a secret,  you are more likely to act on       it.  The need for support is why many addicts choose to go to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Other recovering addicts understand cravings and can help you cope with them.     Focusing on the consequences of returning to active addiction…. can be a good tool as      well. Try keeping a list of the negative things that could happen if  you return to active addiction. You can include things on your list like health problems , jail, 0r arguments with family members or your spouse and losing material possessions.
Coping Skills – An important part of healing the mind is developing healthy coping     skills. There will be times in recovery when life doesn’t go the way you want it to go.         Or you will feel things that you don’t want to feel like pain, anger or sadness.               Coping skills are the tools that will help you deal with life’s problems. Some examples       of coping skills are talking to someone, distracting yourself, doing something active or physical, doing something fun, finding a creative outlet and spending time with family   and friends.

Healing the Spirit  🙂

Spirituality can be an important part of your life, and it’s often neglected while in active addiction. Spirituality is not necessarily about any particular religion – it can be about believing in something bigger than you are — or it can be about your personal well-being and personal development. However you think about spirituality, it can be an important part of your recovery to heal your spiritual self. Here are some ways to heal spiritually.

If you attended a particular church or believed in a particular religion try attending to    your church masses regularly. Attending regular services and participating in religious activities may help you heal spiritually.
If you are unsure what you believe in, you can try going to different churches and learning about different religions. Research churches in your area online and find a couple that feel right to you. Try going to a different service each week until you find one you feel good about.
Talk to religious leaders in your area to learn more about their beliefs and explore your own. Let them know you want to work on healing your spiritual self and ask them what they suggest.
Try reading the sacred books of different religions. The more you learn about what other people believe, the more that you may find that some feel right to you while others do not. This does not mean that any particular spiritual path or religion is right or wrong.             It’s more about finding the one that is right for you.
Read books about spirituality. Examine what the authors believe in and see if it fits with your life and what you believe in.
Try watching television shows or documentaries about spirituality. Look for something that you feel is right and you think you can believe in.
You can find a Higher Power that you believe in. A Higher Power does not have to be connected to any religion but it can be. A Higher Power can be nature, science or God.        It is whatever you believe in that is greater than you.
You can choose to work on your personal development as a part of healing your spiritual self. Look for things that you feel will make you a better person. Try new activities and learn more about the world. Think about your values and beliefs. Ask yourself questions like, “What can I do to better myself and my world?” and “What are my values, beliefs       and morals?” Think about who you are as a person and who you want to be.
Having a purpose in life can help heal your spiritual self as well.                                                  Try finding a cause that you believe in. Doing volunteer work can help you work toward      a purpose. Or find something…. that you believe in that you can work to improve. Many people recovering  from illness choose to connect with those that are dealing with the  same problems as   them for support and to help each other.

I know that healing your body, mind and spirit may seem overwhelming. However,         you have plenty of time to work on healing your whole self. It is an ongoing process     which you may work on over your entire lifetime. You spent years healthy and it will      take time to heal from the damage done. The important thing is to continue working          to improve yourself and your life.

Why the Mystery and myth around mind body Spirit Healing?
It is important to keep in mind that most medical research is sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies who have a lot to lose from alternative approaches to       treating disease.
A few years ago I was a key note speaker at a convention in Houston, Texas. One of the other speakers happened to be Gregg Braden, a scientist who shared some provocative analytical data on consciousness and the mind-body spirit connection. I have followed     his work since.
Here is a video of him discussing collective consciousness and mind body spirit healing.   In the video you will see a woman being cured of cancer in less than three minutes at a medicine-less hospital in China.
There are various mind power techniques you can use for self healing, but the following success factors seem to always be present in the more successful cases.

SEVEN success ingredients for mind body spirit healing!!!

In the words of Eric Butterworth, realize that “God can do no more FOR you than he can do THROUGH you.”  In other words, recognize that life is always on the side of wellness – but spirituality can only help you. If you help yourself through your thoughts,  your faith, your actions and your vision. If you are constantly in a state of resistance and stress, you are behaving in opposition to healing.
To heal, we must let go of our ideas about how we believe things should be. We have to accept the current situation, relax, surrender and allow Spirit to work through us.

1. Focus and awareness

Be mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions (please see this article for powerful autosuggestion techniques).
Observe what creates stress for you and make changes where appropriate.                             Ways to manage stress.
Apply the power of positive thinking.
Do not allow negativity to creep in.
See yourself as a channel of positive, divine energy. Start your day imagining healing energy flowing into your body through the crown of your head — from an unseen source above. See yourself filling up with so much of it that you are able to radiate some of that excess energy out though your heart.                                                                                            Use affirmations for healing that help you stay centered in that spiritual space of giving and receiving. Learn how to do meditation and/or self hypnosis and use it. . . on a daily basis for centering yourself.

2. Take control of your mind

Sometimes it is hard to accept bad news. It can be even harder to accept           responsibility for your thoughts that contribute to a situation you don’t want.
The irony is that until we come to acceptance, we cannot truly begin healing on                     a spiritual level. If you want a different result you must change your thinking and           move out of resistance.
You are probably already familiar with the remarkable Louise Hay, a woman who         cured herself from cancer and then started Hay House, a very successful publishing company:

3. Apply the Law of Visualization.

Understand that each of us interprets the world through our own set of filters.                  You see what your awareness has conditioned you to see.

Or perhaps better said, you see what you believe. Visualization is a powerful mind tool     for mind body spirit healing. If you create pictures in your head of worrisome thoughts, you are attracting worrisome outcomes to you. For more on this topic see Body Mind Health and the Placebo Effect.
“See” yourself in perfect health and it will be so. Be diligent about your thoughts, your words, and deeds. Never allow negativity to creep in. Stay positive, joyous, and hopeful.

4. Be strong in your belief and your faith.

Don’t allow a moment of doubt. Visualization exercises will certainly help in this regard. So will some of the other mind power tools offered on this site. The power of positive thinking cannot be over-stated. Surround yourself with positive people and evidence of mind body spirit healing successes through books, videos, etc. Use positive daily affirmations to anchor your faith. Always begin your day with positive thoughts.

5. Live in gratitude

Every morning find something to feel grateful for. Cultivating a grateful heart is not          for God’s benefit — but for your own. It raises your consciousness and centers you in        the divine flow.  I like to fall asleep at night:  making my way through the alphabet,     finding things for each letter I am grateful for. It is like counting sheep — but better.

6. Practice relaxation techniques to improve YOUR immune system

Practice relaxation techniques such as hypnosis for stress relief, at least three times             a day to strengthen your immune-system. Stress relief techniques are SO important       that a well-known Harvard professor once said, “that if a pill were invented which          gave us this same benefit, people would line up around the block to buy it.”

7. Let go of resentment: Learn how to forgive and forget

Realize that your emotions affect your health and well being. Let go of resentment,    anger, and other negative emotions. Forgive people that have harmed you – including yourself. Open your heart to love and wellness. Most of all, be happy.

More about Self healing: Source for this blog post!!! 🙂

Bonus: Hey, this is Leo for Actualized.org, and in this video I want to talk about the       most advanced, most profound, most important and most challenging concept that             I have discovered in all of my personal development research, and that is spiritual enlightenment.

Wayne Dyer and Dr. Arnald Friedman discussing inner healing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB0RuOeaYuI

The one major Jack Kungel taught me about being a cancer survivor is to be successful  you have to change everything about your life Mind, Body within spirit to live. For Jack   he overcame many obstacles in his life,  strictly by taking a, different outlook on his life. First thing every morning  living in Canada is he takes and early morning walk, loves his music and knows the importance of a balance Endocannabinoid System!!!  I remember Lisa Williams from Australia telling me through our Facebook Group that she cured her cancer. Solely through over loading her body with Omega 3’s through grass fed animal product and balancing out her nutrients in her body.

There is an Ancient belief that thoughts from one’s head emerge along with their hair; newer thoughts appear closer to the scalp, and the older ones are at the end of the longest strands.
Thoughts are sacred, and so is their Vessel. Thus, hair should be cleansed only with the Purest gifts of Nature.
We may not follow this ancient tradition now but we believe that Plant-Based, Cruelty-Free, and Zero-Waste hair care is the natural way forward.
2(34567)gether let us plant a seed that will grow a garden for future birds and bees of this land and many more lifetimes. May it echo through the MultiVerse.
Episode #1 Sacred Plant Exposed https://www.facebook.com/Eire2016/videos/10212405366344304/
#2 How it Fights Disease in Your Body https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/958024864587823/
#3 How The Plant Treats Multi Diseases https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959506551106321/
#4 Treating Cancer https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959524944437815/
#5 The Complex Journey to Access the Plant https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959568414433468/
#6 Reducing Inflammation, Formulation & Dosage https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959574431099533/
#7 What’s Next and How It Impacts You https://www.facebook.com/DrGraceGPage/videos/10160472884410268/

Many of us don’t realize the important of “balance” in our daily lives.  Balancing work &     play is a critical part of our physical and mental health. Nutritional scientists have shown that balancing omega-6 fats (which are generally,  but not always, pro-inflammatory and therefore,  considered  the “bad guys”)  with omega-3 fats (the “good guys”) can impact a multitude of health outcomes. For example, replacing omega-6 rich processed foods (e.g., french fries,  potato chips,  and  pastries)  with  omega-3 rich healthy food ( salmon steak, sardines, and fresh leafy vegetables)  which improves cardiovascular health, brain health, and metabolic wellness. A similar analogy can be used when discussing endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid “tone/balance” systems.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

To briefly review, the endocannabinoid system is a group of specialized lipids, also their receptors,  and the enzymes that produce and degrade them.  Through direct and indirect actions, endocannabinoids are known to modulate and influence a variety of physiological systems, including appetite, pain, inflammation, thermoregulation, intra-ocular pressure, sensation, muscle control, energy balance, metabolism, sleep health, and stress responses, motivation/reward, mood, also memory.

What Are Cannabinoid Receptors?

Cannabinoid receptors are an important class of cell membrane receptors that are          also known to have a serpentine shape. Receptors are akin to “locks,” and the ligand compounds that bind to them are akin to “keys” in a lock & key system.  They have about seven sections that pass through the outer cell membrane. Cannabinoid receptors are also coupled to G-proteins, where a lot of the signaling “magic” happens when a molecule or compound binds to the outer portion of these receptors. The three main ligands that bind to cannabinoid receptors are all lipophilic (fatty or “fat-loving” compounds), and include endocannabinoids (synthesized within the body), phytocannabinoids (plant-derived, such as from cannabis), and synthetic cannabinoids.
The cannabinoid receptors are further divided into two main subtypes, known as CB1 and CB2. Although they have some similarity,  they are mostly differentiated by what tissue or organ system they are associated with in the body.  CB1 is found mostly in the brain,  with some presence in lung, kidney, liver, fat, heart, muscle, and bone.  CB1 receptors are also mostly associated with the psychoactive and euphoric aspects of THC.                      However, CB2 receptors are mostly found within the immune system and blood cells,    and secondarily in lesser density within the nervous system, liver, gut, muscle, and bone.

How Do Cannabinoid Receptors Contribute to the Balance of the Endocannabinoid System?

Endocannabinoid tone/balance is the relative contributions of CB1 vs. CB2 activity at      any given time. Research is accumulating that shows CB1 dominance is associated with increased perception  of  stress,  anxiety,  paranoia,  augmented appetite,  and decreased nausea/vomiting and pain, as well as enhanced immune surveillance, the latter of which has been demonstrated in certain cancer models.                                                                          In contrast, CB2 dominance is associated with decreased inflammation and tissue injury, in conjunction with improvements in metabolic health,  also insulin signaling/sensitivity, satiety, and energy balance. Using this information, some scientists are also zeroing in on specific CB1 blockers that could improve many of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that will increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Specifically, it includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Some research in this area  has  already  demonstrated:  peripheral CB1 inhibition reduces blood pressure and blood sugar and improves cholesterol levels, as well as leads to visceral fat loss resulting   in a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

What Does a Balanced Endocannabinoid System Look Like?

Recent biochemical and behavioral findings demonstrate “optimal” activation of CB1 receptors promotes antidepressant-like neurochemical changes and behavioral effects consistent with antidepressant/anti-stress activity in rodents. These findings reinforce   the importance of a balanced endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is known to control the proliferation, differentiation, survival,  and immune competence of the often-neglected integumentary organ system (i.e., skin cells and hair).  Targeting & manipulating  endocannabinoid balance with the intent to normalize unwanted skin cell growth & skin inflammation might be extremely beneficial for a variety of human skin conditions (psoriasis,  eczema,  acne,  dermatitis, systemic sclerosis, etc).
Our initial example drawing comparisons between the omega-6: omega-3 essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) balance and the CB1: CB2 endocannabinoid tone            is even more appropriate as dietary PUFA intake … has been shown to influence the    levels of anandamide & 2-AG (the 2 most prominent endocannabinoids in humans). Therefore, the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA is an important modifier for         the activation and suppression of cannabinoid signaling in cells.
To illustrate this point, Hutchins-Weise et al. published findings from rodent model          of immobilization-disuse atrophy. . . . in combination with fish oil supplementation.       The increased omega-3 levels from fish oil consumption caused significant changes           in the endocannabinoid system (increased receptors of CB2, but decreased levels of           2-AG and CB1 activity) of the mice. By sensitizing the muscle to counter the effects            of immobilization and hind-limb suspension.

What Happens When the Endocannabinoid System Becomes Imbalanced?

Keep in mind that “balance” is critical, as research has shown if we tip the scales                heavily in the direction of CB1 inhibition, there may be, an associated decrease in     fertility, with increased risk of depression, mood disturbance, and also immuno -suppression.  An overabundance of CB1 signaling also has been associated with       increased psychoactivity, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular risk, diabetes,                 and obesity. In contrast, CB2 over-activation and dominance could also lead to      decreased immune function and diminished wound healing.
Chemical compounds called cannabinoids are found in marijuana and also are       produced naturally in the body from omega-3 fatty acids. A well-known cannabinoid          in marijuana,  tetrahydrocannabinol,  is responsible  for some of its euphoric effects,       but it also has anti-inflammatory benefits.  A new study in animal tissue  reveals the cascade  of  chemical reactions  that  convert omega-3 fatty acids  into cannabinoids             that have anti-inflammatory benefits — but without the psychotropic high.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Foods such as meat, eggs, fish & nuts contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which    the body converts into endocannabinoids — cannabinoids the body produces naturally,      a University of Illinois professor of comparative biosciences and biochemistry, who led   the study.  Aditi Das said, Cannabinoids in marijuana and endocannabinoids produced    in the body can support the body’s immune system and therefore are attractive targets    for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics, she said.
In 1964, the Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam was the 1st to discover and isolate THC from marijuana. To test whether he had found the compound that produces euphoria, he dosed cake slices. . .with 10 milligrams of pure THC and gave them to willing friends at a party.  Their reactions,  from nonstop laughter,  to lethargy , to talkativeness,  confirmed that THC was a psychotropic cannabinoid.

After THC is ingested, your liver goes to work on it, converting it into other molecules       in order to eliminate it from your body. These other molecules are called metabolites. Usually metabolites  are less active than  the parent molecule,  but sometimes you get       one that is even more potent! What is especially interesting about THC metabolites is     that their levels in your body can be more than 10 times higher if you take cannabis in     an  edible or ingested form rather than through other routes (smoking it.)
It wasn’t until 1992 that researchers discovered endocannabinoids produced naturally      in the body. Since then, several other endocannabinoids have been identified, but not       all have known functions.
Cannabinoids bind to two types of cannabinoid receptors in the body — one that is       found predominantly in the nervous system and one in the immune system, Das said.
“Some cannabinoids, such as THC in marijuana or endocannabinoids can bind to          these receptors and elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-pain action,” she said.

“Our team also discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into more potent anti-inflammatory molecules that predominantly   bind to the receptors found in the immune system,” Das said. “This finding demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal qualities as marijuana, but without a psychotropic effect.”   Understanding the Metabolic Effects 0f Cancer!!!

What Does Metabolism Mean.. Can You Speed It UP!!!

Your metabolism is an ever changing part of your body and while it is not something      that you can see with your bare eyes,  your metabolism can tell a lot about your health     and wellness.  Those who make endless attempts at losing weight may be able to attest       to a slower metabolism whereas some skinnier people who claim they can eat anything may state they have a high metabolism. Regardless of your body type, your metabolism changes throughout the day, week, year, and over the course of your life on earth.

With that said, there are some factors that can change your metabolism, with lifestyle being a vital component. Let’s take a look at 20 foods that can increase your metabolism and assist with your weight management and Super ~ Charge Your Health.

1. Quinoa:  is considered a super food by many authorities and there is a reason. This food contains ample carbs and protein with even more vitamins, minerals, iron, and fiber. All of these nutrients come at a small cost though, as quinoa has been continuously found to be a food that can help to boost your metabolism and help you to lose weight.  Quinoa goes best when added with chicken  and bell peppers at lunch time.  While quinoa is also a grain, it’s loaded with good sources of protein, which can help to boost muscular activity in the body. In addition, quinoa is a good source of A & B vitamins
2. Broccoli:  The humble broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that helps boost metabolism and promote weight loss. It is loaded with calcium, folate, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. It is packed with powerful phytochemicals that play an important role in the development of a strong immune system. Eating more broccoli means your body is 30 percent better at burning fat and making broccoli a great addition to your diet when you’re trying to lose weight and stay in shape.
3. Fruit and vegetables:  Celery, Carrots and Fruit such as blueberries and strawberries    are high in fiber, which helps your body burn fat by moving this macronutrient through your digestive system faster. Also, foods that are rich in vitamin C,  such as citrus fruits  help your body burn fat quickly & boost your metabolism.                                               According to a study conducted by the researchers at Scripps Clinic, citrus fruits such       as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit possess chemical properties that help decrease insulin levels, promoting weight loss.
4. Olive Oil: Many people actually stray from fats like olive oil because they contain high amounts of fat. However, it is these fats that are important for good health and eating more of this oil can help to boost your polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat content. The unsaturated fats in olive oil may play a metabolic role in your health and the extra boost that you get may add up over the years. Be cautious as to not over consume any oil, as this will negate the metabolic boost.   Drizzle it on your salad next time you order out.
5. Green Tea:  Green tea contains a natural stimulant called caffeine that increases the heart rate, triggering the metabolism to burn at a higher rate. Also, it stimulates the use    of fatty acids, thus avoiding fat storage. One cup of green tea contains approximately 30 milligrams of caffeine.  According to a study that was published  in the April 2010 issue    of the journal ”Physiology and Behavior,” the combination of green tea & caffeine helps improve fat oxidation and weight maintenance.                                                                      Caffeine is not only harmful when taken in moderation, but too much caffeine can cause nausea, increased blood pressure and insomnia. The green tea chemical epigallocatechin gallate, or ECGC,  helps boost your metabolism and improves brain and nervous system function. ECGC is an antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease and stroke. In addition, it helps fight cancer, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol and boost your body’s immune system.
6. Almonds:  are a great snack and a really tasty nut. They’re packed full of nutrients and studies have shown almonds can lower cholesterol, give you a huge boost in vitamin E and fiber, also helps  you lose weight and boost your metabolism with their low calorie content and high nutritional density. Eat a handful of almonds as a snack each day and you’ll soon start seeing the benefits.
7. Asparagus:  In one cup of chopped asparagus you can expect to get around four grams    of protein, helping boost your metabolism and making your healthy diet much tastier. Asparagus is really versatile, yet seasonal, meaning you won’t be able to enjoy it fresh       all year round. This metabolism-boosting food is great chopped, grilled or steamed.
8. Garlic:  part of the allium family (meaning it’s related to chives, shallots, onions and    the likes) lower your blood cholesterol, stimulate glutathione production and boost your immune system.  Garlic also improves your metabolism,  meaning the other good foods you eat will be digested and used efficiently.
9. Avocado:  is full of protein. You’ll get roughly 2g of protein in half an avocado.              The fruit also contains all nine of the amino acids that our body needs, including omega-3 fatty acids – meaning it’s a great source for people who aren’t a fan of fish! The protein in avocado greatly improves your metabolism for good health and weight loss.
10. Chia or (Hemp Heart) Seeds:  are very tiny black seeds that resemble small dots.            A once serving, which is a lot, contains under 150 calories, some protein, but more than ten grams of fiber.  This fiber content is almost 50 percent of your daily needs and it can certainly be a good boost to consume more chia throughout the day.                                  Perhaps the high fiber content of chia seeds is the reason behind a slight metabolic boost, but it could also be the combination of proteins as well as fiber.  Chia can be sprinkled in oatmeal and you can even make your own pudding using chia seeds and milk. Hemp Seed Hearts can be sprinkled on salads or yogurt and provides omega 3’s.
11. Spinach:  is one of those amazing, dark leafy greens that is packed full of antioxidants that protect your body against oxidative stress. Studies also having shown that spinach can help protect the brain against this stress, and even help prevent colon cancer, heart disease and bowel cancer. And To top it all off, spinach is great as a part of a balanced diet if you’re intending to improve your metabolism overall. Spinach can also help your digestive system become more efficient.
12. Red Beans: Red beans, when prepared properly (so don’t refry them!), are great for your metabolism. They’re full of resistant starch, which repairs your intestine’s lining to fight against infection, cancer and inflammation.  Red beans have also been shown as powerful metabolism boosters!
13. Whole Eggs: have not been very popular in recent years as egg whites have become    the new and healthier way to eat in the morning.  However,  raw eggs are a good health boosting food and they contain protein and valuable minerals to help boost your health  for the day.  Whole eggs taste great  and they give off a small thermic effect after eating. This thermic effect comes with most all foods, but it is higher in the metabolic boosting foods. Fried eggs taste great, but hard boiled eggs can be consumed any time and make      a fine snacking option as well.
14. Cottage Cheese & Greek Yogurt: If you’re not intolerant of dairy products, Cottage cheese is very high in sodium in each serving, but it also is very high in protein, closely comparing to lean meats in this category. Perhaps the high sodium content adds to the thermic effect of food, but cottage cheese, certainly gives a metabolic boost… due to its high protein content.  Add some fresh fruit,  berries, or even cinnamon to your cottage cheese and enjoy it as a morning meal or late day snack.                                                     Finally, think about incorporating Greek yogurt into your breakfast. You’ll get around    20g of protein per six ounces of yogurt, and it can be paired nicely with antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries, and even eaten with oats.
15. Brown Rice:  is one of the most widely consumed foods in the entire world and the     best variety for health is the brown rice. This type contains all of the nutrients and you  also gain more fiber in each serving than the white rice type. Brown rice takes longer to digest than white rice because the body needs to breakdown more of the food.                   The process of digesting all of the rice is where you get your metabolic boost and it can actually last a good while. Rice made in a rice cooker is one of the easiest and best ways    to enjoy this food.
16. Dark Chocolate:  is still considered a sweet food, but the good news is that it contains nutrients that may help with your brain functioning,  cholesterol,  blood pressure, as well  as your metabolism.  Dark chocolate, with at least 85 percent cacao content, can certainly cause a quick thermic effect following a light snacking. It is important to not over-indulge this food, as it can cause weight gain in a hurry.                                                                             A small serving size of dark chocolate (unlike its cousin milk chocolate) is a good way to enjoy this, as eating the chocolate is more satisfying than drinking it.
17. Low-Fat Milk:  is food for your health and especially for your bones. Milk contains   high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and sometimes potassium if it is fortified. The combination of the nutrients as well as the little amount of fat in milk makes this a good option for your metabolism as well. Milk may also add a slight thermic effect after consuming it, which can help you to lose weight. Many people who attempt weight loss drink milk before a meal as a way to boost metabolism and to curb appetite.                    Ways to Enjoy: A glass drank straight up is a good choice.
18. Water: It might sound off, but water is actually a great thing for boosting your metabolism. Sure it’s just water, but it’s essential for our good health. Remember:          your bone is 20% water, your brain is 75% water and we need around eight glasses             of the stuff each day.
19. Coffee:  should be a no brainer when it comes to boosting metabolism. Coffee has      long been shown to benefit brain health as well as improve certain aspects in daily life.  The thermic effect of coffee is not necessarily from caffeine, but it is a plus.                   Coffee contains many compounds that boost enzymes in the body, which is why you feel great after having your cup in the morning. A black cup of coffee is the best way to enjoy this, but adding a slight creamer to it may help to boost metabolism as well.
20. Hot Peppers & Red Onions:  Peppers contain a chemical compound called capsaicin that gives your metabolism a boost and increases your heart rate. Capsaicin will increase your body’s internal temperature, thus helping you burn more calories.  Also,  it helps to promote weight loss. According to a study from Laval University in Quebec, men who ate snacks that contain red pepper and drank coffee burned nearly 1,000 more calories a day than their control group counterparts. Red Onions are a good source of the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin may help increase energy expenditure, or calorie burn, in your body while also reducing inflammation, says Laura K. Stewart, lead author for a 2008 study published in the journal “Metabolism.”
21. Salmon:  As well as being delicious, salmon is low in saturated fat and packed full of protein. It also contains loads of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body maintain good health and gives you cells the nutrients they need to reproduce and stay strong. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your heart in shape and your bad cholesterol down, helping your metabolism stay strong and efficient.
22. Lean-Protein Foods:  Lean-protein foods such as lean chicken, turkey, nuts, lentils & grains help to run metabolism at full speed.  These foods help you build lean muscle tissue and lose fat.  They provide a feeling of fullness for a long time.  High-protein foods such as beef contain essential amino acids that help increase energy expenditure and metabolism. A high-protein diet also prevents weight gain after weight loss.
23. Oatmeal:  Love a bowl of porridge in the morning?                                                                Well you’re doing wonders for your metabolism! Oatmeal is extremely healthy, as long as you’re not eating  the pre-packaged products you can buy from the supermarket. Prepare your own oatmeal and mix it with blueberries and other fruits,  and you’ll fill yourself up, get the soluble fiber you need to keep your digestive system working, and also boost your metabolism at the same time.
24. Gluten Free Whole Grain:  Don’t forget about whole grain. It’s time to ditch all the products made of bleached flour and to go for whole grain products that are full of fiber, and able to slow down the release of sugar into the blood. Whole grains are amazing for your immune system too,  allowing your cells,  to properly use the nutrients provided to them.
25. Legumes:  Like red beans, legumes will pack a good amount of protein, helping boost your metabolism and give your cells the resources they need. In a half cup of legumes you can expect up to 10grams of protein.