Water Kefir

So, I have finished my first batch of water kefir. This is what the kefir grains looks like:

Here it is fermenting the first time with the grains:

And last but not least, here it is in the bottle:

Now the whole process takes about four days. It's supposed to but bubbley, but I did mine in a kombucha bottle at first and it didn't have much fiz. I would recommend this type of bottle. Of course it is all personal preference. Some people may prefer flat.
It basically tastes like a carbonated drink. It would be a great replacement to soda!
Here is the recipe I used.
1 Qt water
1/4 C sugar
1/8 tsp baking soda
stir till everything is dissolved
4 Tbs Kefir grains
2 thin slices of lemon
Put in glass container on the counter loosely covered for 24-48 hours. Strain grains with non metal strainer, set them aside. Add liquid to bottle and leave on counter for another 2 days with cap on tight. After 2 days, put in refrigerator and it's ready to drink! This is an easy guaranteed way to get your daily probiotics. The grains keep multiplying every time you do a batch to you can store the excess in a little sugar water or share them with your friends and family!!

I found this quote on a kefir website:
Dr. Gabriel Cousens, a leading expert in the raw food community, writes in his book “Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine“:

“Kefir grains produce right-rotating L(+) lactic acid, which is an important constituent of the human body. It is particularly important in the prevention of cancer and has been used experimentally with success in the treatment of cancer. In addition, right-rotating lactic acid may help maintaining healthy functioning of the heart. According to some researchers, the cells of the heart muscle obtain their energy primarily from right-rotating lactic acid.”

Raw Milk

What is raw milk you say? Well, it is straight from the cow to your tummy! Well, a little refrigeration as well. My family has been drinking raw milk for almost 2 years now. My sister had been drinking it for about 4 years before we started. She would always tell me how amazing it is and all the health benefits, but at the time, I wasn't ready. I truly believe you have to be ready before you try something different no matter how many times someone tells you!

So, what's the difference between raw milk and the milk you get at the store? Well to start, raw milk is alive. Have you noticed there are more and more people becoming lactose intolerant? Well, that's because you need the enzymes in the raw milk to properly digest it. Some people have an ok time digesting it on there own, but for the intolerant portion of society, it takes its toll on the body. Some people become bloated, gassy or break out in rashes. Those are all signs that your intestines are having issues.
So, isn't it not safe to drink raw milk, isn't that why they started pasteurizing and homogenizing it in the first place? Well, the answer to this is in the farm. Would I drink milk from factory farms, such as the ones that produce most of the milk for grocery stores, HECK NO! They are what you call dirty farmers. That's why they shoot their cows up with all the antibiotics in the first place. At the dirty farms, it doesn't matter what they do to the cows, because in the end they kill everything in the milk anyway by pasteurizing and homogenizing it. With the smaller farms that sell raw milk, the cows are true pastured cows, which means they are out in the field eating grass. For the same reason you should eat grass fed beef, you should drink the milk from grass fed cows. Eating the grass actually does something to kill E Coli in their intestines (btw, E Coli is in everyone’s intestines, it's when it runs ramped that it is harmful).
Did you know that it is actually illegal in most states to buy and drink raw milk? Do you want to know why? Some of you may say, "to keep people safe"... NO, I assure you that is not their motivation. Dairy is a HUGE profit machine for the government. It is subsidized, which means they make money on every ounce of milk or any dairy for that matter, sold in the US. When people sell raw milk, the government doesn't make a dime. That does not make Uncle Sam happy you can be sure of that. So, in order to sell raw milk in some states, you have to label it "For Pet Consumption Only". I know, sounds kind of gross, but it's just a legality I assure you.
There are so many health benefits to drinking raw milk. Unlike the dead stuff, or as I like to refer to it as puss, it can last in the fridge for up to a month before souring. Funny though, when this sours, it's not like the dead stuff where you want to run to the bathroom and vomit after smelling it, it just seems "off". This is milk you have to shake because the milk and cream separates. This is the stuff your grandparents and maybe some parents of yours used to drink. Remember the milk man?
Anyway, I will give you a website and you can get some more information if you like. You will also be able to see if there is a farm or co-op in your area that you can buy it from. Believe me, it is yummy! My daughter will not drink any other milk other than raw, it's amazing!

www.realmilk.com

CANDIDA UPDATE! I ATE PIZZA! Q&A FROM READERS!!

I've had so many people tell me, after reading this blog, "I don't know how you do it", or "it seems a little scary", well I don't know how I managed it either, I'm still on the diet..yes months later, but I have been able to try some new things, 2 months ago I couldn't even eat a rice tortilla without getting sick..well I had one 2 days ago, and it went down easy breezy. I also had an amazing rice crust pizza with vegan cheese, spinach and tomato sauce and it was AMAZING!! 

So faith, determination, and willpower will get you there, knowing that your making your body happy and loving yourself is the reward!  Is it scary. At first its terrifying, what do you eat, how will you afford it, how will you find the time, all the while you feel like hell, your going through major detox and die-off, your totally sick, loosing weight (I actually woke up one morning and looked in the mirror and started crying looking at myself, I was so thin) But you know what's even scarier, getting your ribs cut open so you can have bypass surgery after years of abusing your body. I watched an episode on 20/20 where Barbara Walters interviewed Bill Clinton, Robin Williams,David Letterman, etc. as well as sharing her own experience. Bill Clinton had a very moving segment especially, on how he spent the majority of his life eating hot dogs, hamburgers you name it, and how the surgery changed his life and he is now eating more healthy foods, no red meat..etc. He was 90 percent blocked. Makes you think that if you eat healthy and take care of yourself perhaps you could decrease your odds of this. This is of course examples of those who lived and excludes many other thoughts, but my point is..choose to take care of yourself now.

Its hard at first but, I have so much energy and I don't even touch coffee, I eat, and feel good instead of feeling like I ate a giant watermelon, I sleep like a baby, and my skin is radiant. I still have my moments here and there when I run out of a vitamin or I don't eat enough greens but I am so happy I made it through to the other side, and I will never go back. I'm happy to report that my dearest cousin is now going to a naturopathic after experiencing this with me and reading our blog. We are tracking her recovery from many things mostly allergies and hoping for her recovery. My love in NYC is starting slow but I have managed to get him off certain alcohols that are filled with sugar and yeast to help his condition, and now I'm so happy to hear from a candida survivor and would love to hear more about your experience so others can learn from what we have been through! As for the juice. Morgan says it doesn't have sugar so I would say go for it! 


Speaking of sugar:I've had some friends who are suffering from Candida ask me, why no sugar. I know this seems really hard to do, but you have to Stop feeding your Candida so you can stop it from growing. Continue feeding the unhealthy bacteria the foods that help them proliferate and you’ll continue to deal with adverse problems such as cravings, mood swings, rashes, sinus problems and weight gain.

It’s good to eat healthful food but it’s most important to avoid specific foods while trying to starve the albicans out of your body. Cravings can be difficult at first but if you consider the long term health benefits, it can make the battle much easier. Once you’ve helped your body return to a better pH level, you can slowly reintroduce some of the foods in moderation. Look for more alkaline food and less acidic food to achieve a better pH. Foods to avoid include: vinegars, fungi such as mushrooms, sweeteners such as sugar, syrup and honey, refined carbs and food with high levels of gluten, caffeine, alcohol, dairy food and junk or fast food. 

PLU labels on produce

Have any of you ever wondered what those labels on your fruits and veggies stood for? Well, let me tell you...

The labeling system consists of four or five digit numbers. It is divided into three classes: conventional, organic, and genetically modified. All four-digit coded fruit is conventionally raised. This means that the fruit is likely contaminated with pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers, and is grown in nutrient depleted soils. If there is a 5 digit code, it is either organic (labeled begining with a 9) or genetically modified (labeled begining with an 8). If you see an 8... RUN!! :o)

Water Kefir and Kombocha -- fermented probiotic drinks

My sister brought me some of her water kefir the other day and it was so yummy! What is water kefir you say? Well it is a fermented probiotic drink. It will be my first attempt to make it so we shall see. Basically from what she says is you take the kefir (which is a grain/fungus looking thing) and you feed it sugar, water and a fruit juice of your preference and let it ferment. With the fermentation comes probiotics, which is good for your intestines (but you already knew that right??) Some of you may have already heard of or even bought yogurt Kefir at the store. My kids love it. Same idea, but without the dairy. I'm not sure the sugar levels for those of you with Candida issues. After I make it I will report back those details.

Kombucha is essentially the same thing, however, it has a more vinegar flavor. I was actually at my dairy co op and there was a lady there selling the Kombucha she makes. It was delicious and only $2.50 a pint!! A popular brand that they sell at Whole Foods or other health food stores is GT Kombucha. It is a pretty neat story how this company came to be. Basically GT's mom had cancer and he made the Kombucha for her to drink everyday to aide her body in her fight of the cancer and she had a speedy recovery (my short version, check out their website for more details wwwsynergydrinks.com).

Yoga, it does a body good

I was having an off day today so I just went to Yoga class and I feel so refreshed! I used to take Yoga all the time and then after I had my kids I kind of got away from it. I had looked into taking classes at private shops but the prices can be unbelievable. Actually I just joined the YMCA and the classes are free for members. Even if money is tight you have the ability to get financial assistance at the Y. It's great if you have kids too cause all the sports are also free for members! Anyway, if you start feeling in a fog, try some Yoga it might work for you too!

Namaste

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Ok, so has anyone noticed the advertisements for High Fructose Corn Syrup? You know the ones where they say at the end of them that it's just corn and corn is good for you... wow. Now here is a classic example of the all powerful manipulating media. In case some of you missed the teeny tiny print at the bottom of the screen, or page if it was a print advertisement, these ads are funded by the corn industry. I think they are getting scared about everyone coming to the realization that it's in almost everything, and it isn't good for you! Contrary to what the corn farmers want you to think, it's not good for you. First off, I think I read that almost 90% of corn is genetically modified (which we have yet to see the effects of on human bodies), second it's so highly processed that your body has no idea what to do with it. If you look on the labels of some packaged foods you will see High Fructose Corn Syrup, corn syrup and sugar, all in the same item!! This is not sending your body to the happy place it longs to be, believe me.

They originally made High Fructose Corn Syrup as a cheaper replacement for regular sugar. Now I see they are getting wise and reversing this decision in a lot of packaged foods. However, don't get too excited because the chances of that sugar being genetically modified is pretty high too! I know, it's just nauseating isn't it... sometimes I feel defeated, like I just can't catch a break with this stuff. That's why its safest to just make it yourself or buy it Organic.

Eucalyptus chest rub

I just came across this rub recipe that I've used before.

Put olive oil or (if using Coconut oil heat in a pan low if oil is solid)
Mix essential oil (eucalyptus or lavender) in oil

Store in a jar and just on chest or feet!

Farm raised seafood

Did you ever check to see where your seafood comes from? Well take a close look next time. A lot of it is farm raised which means there is a pretty good chance your being exposed to chemicals and antibiotics and the environment is being exposed to some negatives as well like pollution. Think of it like factory farming in the sea! What you want to look for instead is wild caught seafood. Whether it is fresh or frozen doesn't matter as much. If it was frozen, it was probably done so on the boat that caught it. I did learn something interesting, all canned salmon is wild.

Juice Plus -- Whole Food Vitamins

Many of you may have questions about what vitamins you should take. I am actually not a promoter of taking multi-vitamins cause if you eat well rounded enough, you don’t need them. Also, there is a lot of research out showing that most vitamins don’t even have an effect on the body. A trip to my naturopathic doctor lead me to a pretty cool product that I think is doable for everyone. Now I am the first to be a skeptic on most of these “big promise” things on the market but I personally noticed a huge difference in myself after taking this. I actually got it for the kids and took it with them. Some of you may have already heard of it, it’s called Juice Plus. It comes in capsule or chewable form. I personally will be more consistent taking something if it tastes good so I opt for the chewables. I also can never get my husband to consume anything in pill form either. He has convinced himself that everything I give him hurts his stomach. He takes the chewables with us, which to me is monumental.

It is not a multi-vitamin, it is whole food nutrition. Basically what they do is juice 17 fruits and vegetables, eliminate the water and most of the fiber and what you are left with are the phytonutrients and antioxidants, which in case you don’t know are the biggest protectors from disease. Now I consider myself to be a pretty good eater, but we don’t come anywhere close to 17 fruits and veggies! I can also pretty much guarantee that the only produce my husband is eating is the lettuce on his bread and whatever I make for dinner. This is an awesome way to fill the gap between what we should be eating and what we actually get to eat each day.

Now I am also a research freak. I feel like I need to see the research to believe what I am hearing. There have been a lot of independent research studies on Juice Plus proving its effectiveness on the body.

I like this product so much I decided to become a distributor for them. Now I am the last person to be a fan of these types of businesses, but I really believe in this product. I actually had no idea there was a business option when I was taking them and was already telling people about them anyway.

So there is one more really cool thing for all us parents. They have this Children’s Health Study they are doing. For every adult that orders a monthly supply one child between the ages of 4-18 gets Juice Plus free for 3 years.

The cost of a month supply of Juice Plus (Garden and Orchard blends) is $41.75 for the capsules and $44.50 for the chewables. The children’s month supply is $22.75. They also have other products, Vineyard blend and meal replacement if you’re interested.

Going back to what I said before, I feel that this is something everyone can realistically do to keep themselves healthy. Some of you might think it’s too expensive but if you think about it spending $1.40 a day for 17 fruits and veggies is nothing. My motto when it comes to your health is, you can pay now or pay later.

Check out my website http://www.mymission4nutritionjuiceplus.com/