tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40874466556413896572024-03-05T05:22:21.608-05:00Ramblin' JanRamblings about every and any thing.Georgia Front Page.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248749393644673382noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-48447232831921215562021-03-15T07:10:00.000-04:002021-03-15T07:10:03.490-04:00Call me a skeptic...<p>This popped up in my news feed this morning (from the American Heart Association): <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/aha-bnl031221.php" target="_blank">Beta-blockers not likely to cause depression yet may contribute to sleep disturbances</a> </p><p>My first thought? If you're not sleeping, if your sleep is disturbed, well then, you're going to have a higher risk of depression, brain fog, and some serious health issues if it goes on for long.* Sigh. <i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></i></p><p>Of course, they are correct in the statement somewhere in the article that having heart issues, having a need to take beta-blockers, in itself can result in depression and have a negative impact on your overall outlook on life. </p><p>Also, if you're not moving due to heart issues then you can have sleep disturbances, memory issues, many other health problems as a result. Inactivity can kill you. I think of it like rust and rot. If you let anything that's meant to move sit around it will typically rust or fall apart. </p><p>This is one that's just my opinion and may raise an eyebrow or two: The diet they often suggest for heart disease is another thing that may contribute to depression, cognitive issues and, over time, other health issues. The original studies that "proved" low fat was better have long been debunked but a low-fat diet is still promoted. There are a lot of questions about cholesterol also. There are some big fights out there about diet and every group, person, study, promotes something different. </p><p>To me, this is a "Well, duh, what was the point?" study. Basically it says "we don't think beta blockers are "likely" to cause depression but since there are so many things in play when you have heart issues we really can't isolate the cause so be a good patient and take the drugs. Dang, I need to go back and see who funded the study... :-)</p><p>Brief intermission... <br /></p><p>Took a look at the funding. There's a statement that says there was no external funding for the study. Which, at first blush, sounds good. Just the good ol' AHA doing a study to help us make good health decisions. Then I scanned down and read this:</p><p>"<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Statements and conclusions of studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. <i><b>The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) </b></i>also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. <b>The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content.</b> Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers are available here, and the Association's overall financial information is available here." (The bold and italics are mine)<br /></span></p><p>OK, call me a skeptic. Yes, it's good that they have strict policies. But if they came up with a study that had proved beta-blockers caused depression would they share it? Would money stop from the beta-blocker pharmaceutical companies that produced them? Would there be huge denouncements and outside studies that proved them wrong? <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></p><p>I think they started out with a goal and then worked to shape the results to fit...and couldn't even do it convincingly. </p><p>Just my rambling thoughts early in the morning as I drink my first cuppa caffeine. <br /></p><p>https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/aha-bnl031221.php</p><p><b>NOTE:</b> if you want to have some fun with studies go listen to some of Dr. Michael Greger's videos. The guy rips apart studies in a fun, informative way. <a href="http://www.nutritionfacts.org">www.nutritionfacts.org</a></p><p>*<i>However, after I went back to read the press release again, the study doesn't really say it may contribute to sleep disturbances. It says "<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The
original studies did not include individual patient data, so for this
analysis, researchers were unable to investigate whether sleep-related
symptoms were persistent for those taking beta-blockers. Additional
research is needed to address this question."</span></i> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-69469011002532939782021-02-24T07:01:00.003-05:002021-02-24T07:01:36.768-05:00Guess who is going to be on the annual Master Garden Tour this year?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWe2CMB7tLAFKSOMTHIm5sMmu8M5a1kuODNOoPKdh4v8ykXxfZyfxcO6ZAEs35f7kLccswJmX8qJEcbrCO7It1cg5s3xIeTkDst95F089qE3ffBWRRjFZpnR_ztReXNF5x63jNP-oVBEM/s1600/IMG_20200803_132342472_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWe2CMB7tLAFKSOMTHIm5sMmu8M5a1kuODNOoPKdh4v8ykXxfZyfxcO6ZAEs35f7kLccswJmX8qJEcbrCO7It1cg5s3xIeTkDst95F089qE3ffBWRRjFZpnR_ztReXNF5x63jNP-oVBEM/s320/IMG_20200803_132342472_HDR.jpg" /></a></div>Such a hard question. I know you're still pondering. <p></p><p>I'm excited. And busy as (snicker) a bee...or a mound of ants. </p><p>I've always had some sort of garden but during my art show years taking care of vegetables and flowers was virtually impossible as I was gone a LOT.</p><p>Not being able to do shows during COVID has allowed me a lot of time to do something around the homestead. I could have chosen to work in the house but why would I torture myself like that when the sun shines outside? </p><p>I started "My Vision Garden". It's called that as one has to have vision to see where I'm going. </p><p>I expanded into the woods surrounding my studio to create paths and little tableaus (spell check doesn't like that s on the end of tableau, sheesh) with cool things I've accumulated, found, been gifted with over the years. I started a Facebook page about it if you're interested: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyVisionGarden">(14) My Vision Garden | Facebook</a></p><p>I have a "Golf Garden", "Mom's Mystery Garden", "Watery Way", "Woodhenge" and others that are in the works. I started a lily garden in the front of the house for all the wonderful lilies my mother has given me over the years. I have an herb garden that is continually expanding as I learn more about their health properties. I ordered a mini-greenhouse. I went berserk and ordered 5 million seeds (a very slight exaggeration). My son is building some raised bed gardens for me (I'm on a quartz vein, which, combined with Georgia clay makes it tough to do in-ground gardens.) I could go on and on about all the things I've done and plan to do.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjEWz9F2rK0V3dZO60UE1kJjNhDxk-wAb534U1BEAqiYQFQy0E9Yp40E7TqcknX78Pbd_xF4CYGKRL1nsfkbgBqrCsJUZK9G8Abuxi_N26MqcbqyQO3vNzcAto59tMbiPk-WCmUdnCp62/s1600/IMG_20210221_181039166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjEWz9F2rK0V3dZO60UE1kJjNhDxk-wAb534U1BEAqiYQFQy0E9Yp40E7TqcknX78Pbd_xF4CYGKRL1nsfkbgBqrCsJUZK9G8Abuxi_N26MqcbqyQO3vNzcAto59tMbiPk-WCmUdnCp62/s320/IMG_20210221_181039166.jpg" /></a></div>The <a href="https://www.fayettemga.org/">Fayette Master Gardeners</a> came by to check it out...after I told everyone I knew in the group when our paths crossed that my goal was to be on the Tour...and I'm in. Which led to more seed orders and some more expanded flower beds in celebration.<p></p><p>Gardening is not for the faint of heart, especially when you live on 5 acres that deer, rabbits, chipmunks and other veggie/plant loving critters like. I know they line up every year wondering what kind of salad bar I'm creating for them.</p><p>I have done a lot of research into plant combining to deter bugs, pests and animals (which led to even more seed orders). I have done a lot of research on deer-resistant plants (yes, seeds and more seeds). Almost everything I have it deer-resistant but that doesn't mean they won't nibble when they're hungry or that MY deer aren't as picky as others.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.fayettemga.org/">Garden Tour</a> is in Fayette County, Georgia and will be on April 25th. They host a garden sale on the 24th in downtown Fayetteville. Many of my plants came from their sales over the years. </p><p>I have lots of photos on my Facebook page if you'd like to see more of my garden, herbs, and progress. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyVisionGarden">(14) My Vision Garden | Facebook</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-78608289790960369892021-02-23T20:59:00.007-05:002021-02-24T05:55:37.641-05:00Everybody needs a weed...<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtAWaYSg5qOMxwMrVTYJuRWvZTjjZ_yry0I8fzyKQ1Whbty0-P10bMvxkSFedgQ8zhuhVxAQAC90yKTrOP0iMCMJDmbGyHrkddBOJFy3IiFhBDpGcHIvDhC9ErZn892q9Z0KKMiveClb2/s1920/chicory.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtAWaYSg5qOMxwMrVTYJuRWvZTjjZ_yry0I8fzyKQ1Whbty0-P10bMvxkSFedgQ8zhuhVxAQAC90yKTrOP0iMCMJDmbGyHrkddBOJFy3IiFhBDpGcHIvDhC9ErZn892q9Z0KKMiveClb2/s320/chicory.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickory</td></tr></tbody></table>No, I didn't suggest you needed weed. Gee people, it's still illegal in some states! <p></p><p>This is a post about weeds. The kind that drive most gardeners nuts. If you're not into gardening, health, the medicinal properties of plants, this is gonna bore you big time. </p><p>I've been on a binge when it comes to expanding, growing, cleaning, creating in my garden during COVID. With the advent of sunny weather in my area I have been in the yard having some garden fun when the sun is shining no matter how cold it might be. </p><p>When I'm not outside I have been on the computer quite a bit, wandering through garden sites, learning about shade plants, growing veggies and all that kinda stuff. I've also been going a bit overboard on ordering seeds. I had to slap my own wrist yesterday and make myself walk away from the computer, stop drooling over the cool plants. </p><p>I ordered a ton of seeds. Way more than I'll ever be able to grow. Now I'm adding new beds to house some of my cool new seeds. I'm cleaning out and extending other beds. Which leads me to weeds...</p><p>I'm great at growing weeds. If I were judged on my gardening skills by how many weeds I grow in my yard I'd be top of the heap, a-number-one. I'm also pretty good at growing grass in my flower beds. Not so hot about the grass growing in the rest of the yard. Fertilizer and care might help.</p><p>As I've been pulling out some of the weeds from the beds I've noticed that some look really cool. Some have pretty little flowers. I felt bad killing the things. </p><p>I got curious and started trying to find out what they were. Imagine my surprise (chagrin) when I found out I had just ordered seeds for, sigh, one of my weeds. Yep, yours truly ordered chickweed and yours truly has it growing like wildfire all over the place. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8qvAZrO4HKew-nIL3dAogqsiwREb_FTsIGHMJzsDgUcOgIdJLiuRo1th0fJic_Ap5VhvhAc25piKTg7DTBx4Csru6cvPhgrRDDkF_o1z4NMFD2PndmJxeRgpCDJoARwPknhV0ypUNIzs/s1920/dandelion.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8qvAZrO4HKew-nIL3dAogqsiwREb_FTsIGHMJzsDgUcOgIdJLiuRo1th0fJic_Ap5VhvhAc25piKTg7DTBx4Csru6cvPhgrRDDkF_o1z4NMFD2PndmJxeRgpCDJoARwPknhV0ypUNIzs/s320/dandelion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandelion</td></tr></tbody></table>Next I found Creeping Thyme out around my lilies. At least I hadn't ordered seeds. <br /><p></p><p>Now I'm on a mission to identify all of my weeds. </p><p>I already know I love dandelion and that I have plenty. I am going to put in a small patch of them to keep the lawnmowers from destroying this healthy weed. And I have purslane, which is edible. I used to pull it up like, um, a weed. Now I let it go and grow. It is a great one to have around in the event of a Zombie apocalypse. <br /></p><p>Flipping back to chickweed... The reason I ordered the seeds is because it has medicinal properties. Even though it clearly identifies itself as a weed (for chicks?) in its name it escaped my attention that it was a weed. Ditto for Joe Pye Weed. Yes, I ordered it and no, I haven't found it in the yard. Yet. </p><p>Once I starting delving into weeds I found that many of them are prized as cures or help for various ailments. I also learned that some of the "herbs" I order in bulk for my health teas are called weeds by many. Hmph. I <i>was</i> a bit surprised to see things like Daisies on the weed list.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pV7RDWpRigtaBku2zpv4nmQGFYEaF0x7xVDgyfO42PzAdBHnjLYeuN7Aa-wSsqGPz-guFJ_ww31YyyUX4D8zQqgOp1Aq0i1U9WFy-R2Ewvj8kx3c_9L9arIY1cEn205VVjIpuMi2Prus/s1920/red-clover.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pV7RDWpRigtaBku2zpv4nmQGFYEaF0x7xVDgyfO42PzAdBHnjLYeuN7Aa-wSsqGPz-guFJ_ww31YyyUX4D8zQqgOp1Aq0i1U9WFy-R2Ewvj8kx3c_9L9arIY1cEn205VVjIpuMi2Prus/s320/red-clover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Clover<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Soooo, of course I had to go find out why certain pretty and often beneficial plants were called "weeds". I "assumed" all of these years that once a weed always a weed, that all weeds were to be pulled up and destroyed, and that they were noxious, horrible things. <p></p><p>Wrong. </p><p>Weeds are simply plants that are not valued in the places they are growing, typically grow vigorously, and sometimes choke out plants that are considered more valuable. (<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weed">https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weed</a>) Hence, daisies can be a weed. Something loved by some can be despised as a weed by others. I'm betting my Obedient Plants are considered weeds by some.<i> (Just had a thought --- I need to do some research on "invasive plants". I keep coming across that when I'm considering buying a plant or seeds and it usually stops me from clicking 'purchase'. Some are invasive in one clime but not in another, which just speaks to native plants vs imported --- like kudzu, the bane of the South.)</i><br /></p><p>I have decided that I am going to love my weeds. I'll keep them away from right around my flowers so they don't choke them out, and may move them to the woods or elsewhere, but I'm not pulling them up, dang, I have to write this..."like weeds". <br /></p><p>I bet if I put them in little pots I could sell them when they're blooming. Who wouldn't want something called Purple Dead Nettle? :-)<br /></p><p></p><p>Here's a list of weeds with medicinal qualities that I've found thus far:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Burdock <br /></li><li>Chickweed*</li><li>Chicory*</li><li>Cleavers#</li><li>Common Mallow</li><li>Creeping Charlie (ground ivy)</li><li>Curry Dock <br /></li><li>Daisies</li><li>Dandelion#</li><li>Jewelweed (I want this one)<br /></li><li>Kudzu</li><li>Lambsquarter</li><li>Mint*</li><li>Mullein#<br /></li><li>Plantain</li><li>Purple Dead Nettle <br /></li><li>Purslane* (I have this growing all over, already knew it was a good one)</li><li>Red Clover</li><li>Self Heal* <br /></li><li>Stinging Nettle</li><li>St. John's Wort *<br /></li><li>Violets</li><li>Wood Sorrel</li><li>Yarrow*</li></ul><p>*I either have or I ordered seeds<br />#I buy in bulk and make teas<br /></p><p>If you'd like to know more about chickweed's medicinal properties: <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/chickweed-what-should-i-know-about-it-89437">https://www.verywellhealth.com/chickweed-what-should-i-know-about-it-89437</a></p><p>More about the benefits of Purslane: <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purslane">https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purslane</a> <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-51968736711741021192021-01-05T07:16:00.003-05:002021-01-07T06:21:27.128-05:00Mushrooms...love 'em or hate 'em they're really good for your brain!<p><i>Intro: My old editor would be having a fit if I turned this one in for publication! Good thing it's a blog and I can ramble where I please without his red pen. And ramble I do. When I decided to look into mushrooms I figured one post, some good info on how they impact the brain, and then on to other topics. Whoa was I in la-la land. It is a HUGE topic. I had no idea mushrooms had so many wonderful properties, did so much for us. Forgive the way I jump around in this post. Now that my interest has been piqued I am on a mission and will be learning more...and I'm sure I'll be updating this one with some additions and maybe a few corrections...AND I'll be eating more mushrooms. I hope you will, too. - Janet<br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;">-----------------------------------------------------------<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtZvvHiFUN8MaADJYK7bTUzdNk6M-qDIEy2JxLUW095B6n7Okiu7BFBJKuzqAxLejGder-4HtoRtF30oYEuc2wyiFbX0ES-iw5AnnVp4M6LhIEXEI7wyUX-5WmVwn_WLHSMsggWZpH40J/s1920/mushroom-grouping.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtZvvHiFUN8MaADJYK7bTUzdNk6M-qDIEy2JxLUW095B6n7Okiu7BFBJKuzqAxLejGder-4HtoRtF30oYEuc2wyiFbX0ES-iw5AnnVp4M6LhIEXEI7wyUX-5WmVwn_WLHSMsggWZpH40J/s320/mushroom-grouping.jpg" /></a></div>I've crossed paths with the benefits from mushrooms for years. It's impossible to research brain health without seeing Lion's Mane mushrooms somewhere along the way. As I'm out reading about various health issues for myself and others mushrooms frequently pop up (ha ha). <p></p><p>I have been taking Om Lion's Mane in capsule and/or powder form for a while. After doing some reading on the best to buy I am in the process of switching. I bought a powdered mix, Nourishing Nutrients Organic Mushroom Powder Extract Superfood (10 mushrooms: oyster, maitake, reishi, phellinus linteus, shitake, cordyceps, lion's mane, chaga, turkey tail, and wood ear). I also bought Genius Mushroom capsules as a temporary start for my husband who can't stand mushrooms. It has lion's mane, reishi and cordyceps but only two say they are the fruiting body. I have to figure out whether that's good or bad (see "A Caution" below). <br /></p><p>Recently, as mentioned in a previous post, my cousin came to town carrying the Lion's Mane mushrooms he was growing, and babying. I briefly thought about growing my own mushrooms. Today I looked into it more fully and nope, I'll definitely be buying mine. I just don't have the needed dedication...my houseplants are surely waving their starving leaves in agreement. <i>(Yes, I water them, but they need more TLC than I have time to give thus many of them are going to a new home soon. My niece just got married, has a new house and needs some greenery. Win-win.)</i></p><p>I do plan to follow along as my cousin continues on his mushroom adventure. Maybe someday I'll be buying mushrooms from him! <i><br /></i></p><p>Despite my lazy-butt lack of growing mushroom enthusiasm I DO want more mushrooms in my life. </p><p>I always have a mix of regular white button and portabella <i>(love spell-check...it wanted to change that to potbelly :-))</i> mushrooms in my fridge. I've shied away from some of the others like shitake due to cost and lack of knowledge about taste, how to use them in dishes, etc. I much prefer to just pop a pill or dump some powder in my drinks rather than waste money on something I may or may not like. Or use. I'm the queen of buying something interesting and then letting it sit in the fridge until it rots. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy265CtxaFHHiFSxyZBvHwMWunHocFhpMUvYYIYyHjJymbg2fI6zH_P1n2-go9xwyLC1a2v6ik3aDu00pL395P1SujFNJnMxv6qpJoulR0AraePnam1pINUB1pUwSVJluLBpQ27U1t5-s/s1920/mushroom-oyster.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy265CtxaFHHiFSxyZBvHwMWunHocFhpMUvYYIYyHjJymbg2fI6zH_P1n2-go9xwyLC1a2v6ik3aDu00pL395P1SujFNJnMxv6qpJoulR0AraePnam1pINUB1pUwSVJluLBpQ27U1t5-s/s320/mushroom-oyster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I may be buying shitake and others to cook by the time I finish researching this post --- which I gather is going to be an on-going project given the overwhelming amount of info I've already stumbled across.<br /><p></p><p>I'm going to focus on mushrooms that are good for our brains for starters. Cancer is probably the next focus although I've already noticed that a large chunk of the brain mushrooms are also cancer fighters. </p><p>All the mushrooms have multi-pronged health benefits. Many address inflammation which is a huge contributor to a decline in our brains. And, if mushrooms are good for your brain they're automatically good for a lot of other things. </p><p><u><i><b>A Caution</b></i></u><br /></p><p>I suppose before I get into brain health assisting mushrooms I should point out that if you're buying supplements beware. I'll do a separate post with more on that soon. From my first-blush reading on the subject, I determined that supplements and powders should indicate "fruiting body". However (there is a however with every single thing I learned about mushrooms!): <i>"In some species, the entire fungus—the mycelium and its fruiting
bodies—contain medicinal substances, but in others only the fruiting
body does. In others, only the mycelium contains those substances. Some
products are made from the wrong part of the fungus, or they may include
both mushroom and mycelium even if the species in question doesn’t
invest both with medicine."</i> - <a href="https://healing-mushrooms.net/tinctures-vs-extracts">https://healing-mushrooms.net/tinctures-vs-extracts</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://ConsumerLab.com">ConsumerLab.com</a> (paid research site) has only looked into one mushroom, <a href="https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/reishi-mushroom-supplements-review/reishi/" target="_blank">reishi</a>, and their findings were an eye-opener. Per their info the active ingredient that is thought be biologically active is 1,3-beta-D-glucan. The prices per the 1,3 in the reishi mushrooms supplements they tested ranged from 7 cents to $19 per 100 mg. That is a whopping range. The amount per serving ranged from a few milligrams to 250 mg. </p><p>You need to do your research before spending your hard-earned dollars. (<i>Yes, I'm going to be doing some studying and I'll share what I find.)</i><br /></p><p><u><i><b>Back to the Brain...</b></i></u><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1lDhKYBc8LsTcGM_5ta-v-UCE-7zDb-_QrXU1AntzhEzRklEEk5xN2DCqvVZHtNTn0xdEKtbOOFcRmPsaRTc0zAcJXiqNwElSFtxO4T4bLa9KMDrLohASZgrkBgrMI4mcP-660iU0SRk/s1920/mushroom-reishi.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1lDhKYBc8LsTcGM_5ta-v-UCE-7zDb-_QrXU1AntzhEzRklEEk5xN2DCqvVZHtNTn0xdEKtbOOFcRmPsaRTc0zAcJXiqNwElSFtxO4T4bLa9KMDrLohASZgrkBgrMI4mcP-660iU0SRk/s320/mushroom-reishi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lion's Mane (<i>Hericium Erinaceus</i>) is the one that most probably equate with helping the brain. Reishi (<i>Ganoderma Lucidum</i>) is another that might be familiar. Cordyceps (<i>Cordyceps Militaris or Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) </i>comes up often also and you'll find the trio in many supplements. <p></p><p>But you KNOW I am going to tell you there are others, right? Yep. I is. :-)</p><p>A <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2019/03/26/mushrooms-and-brain-health-new-research-finds-a-potential-link-worth-considering/?sh=7de34c751f1b" target="_blank">2019 Forbes article</a> highlighted the impact mushrooms can have on brain health: "Working even a small amount of mushrooms into a diet could potentially
lower risk of mild cognitive impairment – a typical precursor to
Alzheimer’s disease." The <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad180959" target="_blank">study</a> found that eating two portions per week on average cut the risk of developing MCI by 50%. Those in the study ate Golden, Shitake, Button and Oyster mushrooms as well as dried and canned mushrooms.<i> (I linked to the study but you need to be a member to see all the details. It's probably out in the world somewhere if you look hard enough.)</i></p><p>The researchers believe the improvement is due to a compound called ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant. It is something we can't manufacture in our bodies and is common to all the varieties. I'm going to check to see if there have been any follow-up studies. Given we were all quarantined across the world in 2020 I'm expecting to see a ton of new research as scientists probably had tons of time. :-)</p><p>They also contain another powerhouse, glutathione. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F6KfJr6-9j1l1E2sZuhnoGkwvR-odphgwXqFYF1sNxgIoLlUybK8fpPK9ep3-6nxzKmB0Cdf_2YPKHgTGKhW08j6H2NCfAU55nOWHsWQEPZ1-Gk2TJApoxeiypSWPoN9rxhfmy1xo6q5/s1920/mushrooms-basket.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F6KfJr6-9j1l1E2sZuhnoGkwvR-odphgwXqFYF1sNxgIoLlUybK8fpPK9ep3-6nxzKmB0Cdf_2YPKHgTGKhW08j6H2NCfAU55nOWHsWQEPZ1-Gk2TJApoxeiypSWPoN9rxhfmy1xo6q5/s320/mushrooms-basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Per <a href="https://news.psu.edu/story/491477/2017/11/09/research/mushrooms-are-full-antioxidants-may-have-anti-aging-potential" target="_blank">a Penn State study</a> the combo of ergothioneine and glutathione help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's. The amounts of both vary among the various types with, per Penn State, the porcini species, a wild variety, having the highest they tested.<br /><p></p><p>Given that mushrooms contain minerals, like selenium, potassium, copper, iron, calcium and phosphorus it's not surprising that they have a positive impact on memory, brain function, and/or, in some cases, amnesia.<br /></p><p><u><b><i>A listing of mushrooms I have found thus far that may improve cognition and/or prevent decline:</i></b></u></p><p>All are anti-inflammatory and support the immune system. I did some picking and choosing when it came to deciding what to include in my bullet points. There are volumes and volumes of info on each mushroom on the Internet. Hopefully some of these will make it into your diet one way or another. <u><b><i><br /></i></b></u></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lion's Man (<i>Hericium Erinaceus; also known as yamabushitake, satyrs’ beard or hedgehog mushroom</i>)</li><ul><li>Along with other benefits it is known to stimulate neurons in the brain triggering a process called ‘re-myelination' that helps to maintain their ability to conduct electrical signals. One <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/" target="_blank">study</a> found that a group with MCI taking the powdered version for 16 weeks "showed significantly increased scores on the cognitive function scale compared with the placebo group". When they stopped using the Lion's Mane powder their improvements decreased. <i>(Knowing that little factoid will keep me from ever stopping it...and I may have to revisit growing my own!)</i></li><li><i></i>It promotes the growth of bioprotien nerve growth factor (NFG --- seems like it should be NGF but it's NFG :-))</li><li>They taste like lobster or crab</li><li>Helps in the treatment of depression and anxiety <i><br /></i></li></ul><li>Chaga <i>(Inonotus obliquus)</i></li><ul><li>Helps to protect against memory loss in the aging population. </li><li>Chaga is not really a mushroom even though you'll see it listed and sold
as such. It's a sclerotium or woody canker that grows on birch trees.</li><li>May help with keeping those wrinkles away as it is an antioxidant.</li><li>Found to lower the so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL)</li><li>Also helps with cardiovascular health, immune health, DNA damage protection, and diabetes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PsFUlD_bQ2PArNqLp3I58dKCiq9fozVD_t-vxHybBDnEfMzQizQRvhGSwGwJbS4UCvT5VwpGAU4ojJl-TiR4NcrMvCrZOyBK4i2g9mctAH6X_sjVWNdOWT8pGyHZPZf26LMy_spGGd8v/s1920/mushroom-sponge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PsFUlD_bQ2PArNqLp3I58dKCiq9fozVD_t-vxHybBDnEfMzQizQRvhGSwGwJbS4UCvT5VwpGAU4ojJl-TiR4NcrMvCrZOyBK4i2g9mctAH6X_sjVWNdOWT8pGyHZPZf26LMy_spGGd8v/s320/mushroom-sponge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>Not good in foods as they're hard, too dense, and don't fully digest. Try a tea, powder or capsule. <br /></li></ul><li>Reishi <i>(Ganoderma lucidum)</i></li><ul><li>I understand that they don't taste the greatest. </li><li>They are a mood-booster along with having neuro-protective properties. </li><ul><li>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0940299310002332" target="_blank">research study in 2012</a> found that it may help with Azheimer's Disease, Huntington's and other neurodegenerative disorders.<br /></li></ul><li>It promotes healing. </li><li>It is known to help with weight loss.</li><li>Improves sleep.</li><li>Reportedly fights cancer.</li><ul><li>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1734114010702528" target="_blank">study by Pharmacological Reports</a> in 2010 found that triterpenoid ganoderic acid found in reishi acted to inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumors</li><li>Another bit of research in 2011 suggested it might find and eradicate cancer cells <br /></li></ul><li>Chocked full of ganoderic acid, known to decrease cholesterol and lower high blood pressure.</li><li>Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. </li><li>Said to promote longevity.<br /></li></ul><li>Turkey Tail <i>(Trametes versicolor)</i></li><ul><li>Alliviates many of the symptoms associated with chemo.</li><li>Anti-cancer</li><li>Possibly the most studied of all the mushrooms on this list --- loads of good properties. Here's one of the best overviews of this mushroom, and others, that I found while wandering around the web-world: <a href="https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/" target="_blank">https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/</a><br /></li></ul><li>Maitake <i>(Grifola frondosa)</i></li><ul><li>Also known as "Hen of the Woods" and "dancing mushroom"<br /></li><li>Antiviral</li><li>Helps to control glucose levels</li><li>Helps to control hypertension</li><li>Regular inclusion helps to cleanse the system by destroying abnormal cells</li><li>Anti-cancer<br /></li></ul><li>Shitake <i>(Lentinula edodes)</i></li><ul><li>Good for lowering blood pressure, helping with circulation</li><li>Lowered LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) in mice and inhibited absoprtion of cholesterol in the <br />liver</li><li>Has phytonutrients that which help to prevent plaque buildup</li><li>Good for your skin<br /></li></ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQmywI1DFbFE8x_C1z7S-CV13eSVeeHI9gtE7KbghW1eEEJXq7EhNU6iYWHvS1SquPZkXLrpznC4QIp2NC2ub_u9uJHzqePHBp_J71z8RLbHfvjWTfeVUxlIOddoHeUzx6VBms8QNc7Uw/s1920/mushroom-matryoshka.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQmywI1DFbFE8x_C1z7S-CV13eSVeeHI9gtE7KbghW1eEEJXq7EhNU6iYWHvS1SquPZkXLrpznC4QIp2NC2ub_u9uJHzqePHBp_J71z8RLbHfvjWTfeVUxlIOddoHeUzx6VBms8QNc7Uw/s320/mushroom-matryoshka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Meshima (<i>Phellinus Linteus, Sang Hwang mushroom</i>)</li><ul><li>Known as the "black foot" mushroom because it looks somewhat like a horse hoof. </li><li>The word actually translates to "Women's Island" and is good for menstruation and breast cell protection.<br /></li><li>Grown mainly on mulberry trees in Japan</li><li>Has a bitter taste and is not good for eating.</li><li>Traditionally used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhages, and gastroenteritis dysfunction. </li><li>Great tumor fighting capabilities, some of the strongest.</li><li>Anti-aging --- full of components similar to resveretrol</li><li>Immune system booster<br /></li></ul><li>Agaricus Blazei (<i>Almond Mushroom, </i><i>Royal Sun Agaricus, Mushroom of the Gods</i>)<br /></li><ul><li><b>Caution with this one if you have any kind of liver issue.</b> And, while it is noted for helping with cancer it may be a bad idea to use it if you have cancer given it could impact your liver so do your research! It is mentioned over and over as a great mushroom for those undergoing chemo to mitigate symptoms. I found only one place that cautioned regarding cancer treatment and liver issues. <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-agaricus-89398" target="_blank">https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-agaricus-89398</a><br /></li><li>Immune system booster <br /></li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Cancer</li><li>Hepetitis</li><li>Allergies </li><li>Asthma</li><li>Blood Pressure</li><li>Cholesterol</li><li>IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) <br /></li></ul><li>Tremella <i>(Tremella fuciformis)</i></li><ul><li>Skin</li><li>Memory</li><li>Bone health</li><li>Metabolism <i></i></li><li>Anti-aging<i><br /></i></li></ul><li>Cordyceps</li><ul><li>Helps to prevent the death of neuronal cells. </li><li>Good for asthma, bronchitis, kidney disease, energy and performance. <br /></li></ul><li>Oyster</li><ul><li>High in protein and B vitamins</li><li>A <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijo/33/6/1307" target="_blank">study posted in the International Journal of Oncology</a> showed that these mushrooms had the most potent in suppressing the proliferation of breast and cancer as compared to shitake, portabella, and enoki mushrooms. From the abstract: "In conclusion, our results indicated that the edible oyster mushroom has
potential therapeutic/preventive effects on breast and colon cancer."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruXITx6qDV0Gimn1vguGuaXOaM-2IGK4fdjahzgn89E9Gwpne-q-9CcrUk8N4uP-jTWRlMtttROQ5IWN_FUnMv0oTeDtb59uG971VIDJokUWGmBZu3kP2R_ZSYS017u_rZcmuftwWe0xq/s1920/mushroom-white.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruXITx6qDV0Gimn1vguGuaXOaM-2IGK4fdjahzgn89E9Gwpne-q-9CcrUk8N4uP-jTWRlMtttROQ5IWN_FUnMv0oTeDtb59uG971VIDJokUWGmBZu3kP2R_ZSYS017u_rZcmuftwWe0xq/s320/mushroom-white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li></ul><li>White button (<i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Agaricus bisporus)</span></i></li><ul><li>Good for liver function</li><li>Cholesterol</li><li>Cancer (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444528247000135" target="_blank">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444528247000135</a>)<br /></li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Healthy gut</li><li>Anti-aging</li><li>Weight reduction due to <span style="font-weight: 400;">Oligopeptide and fibers which are high in nutrients that help in that area.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: 400;">A natural memory enhancer</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here is a good list of the many pluses those very common, most often purchased, white mushroom have: <a href="https://foodthesis.com/white-button-mushroom-health-benefits-and-side-effects/" target="_blank">https://foodthesis.com/white-button-mushroom-health-benefits-and-side-effects/</a> <br /></span></li></ul><li>Porcini (<i>Boletus edulis, Hog Mushroom)</i><br /></li><ul><li>Very delicate and some of the food sites say don't wash them, just wipe off the dirt as they'll deteriorate. Nope, not this girl. I may opt for canned just to give them a try. Given that Penn State's research determined they are highest in ergothioneine and glutathione I suppose I should include the hogs in my diet, snort, snort...<br /></li><li>High in protein, iron, fiber, Vitamin A and C</li><li>Often confused with shitake mushrooms, which are cheaper and meatier (and can be washed).</li><li>Promotes weight loss (must be the dirt 'cause you can't wash them :-))</li><li>May kill colon cancer</li><li>Anti-inflammatory</li><li>Good for digestive health --- probably due to their high fiber content they are said to help with constipation</li><li>Interesting article: <a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/porcini-mushrooms/" target="_blank">https://draxe.com/nutrition/porcini-mushrooms/</a><br /></li></ul><li>Poria Cocos <i>(Wolfiporia extensa)</i></li><ul><li>Sleep and relaxation<br /></li><li>Nervous system, anxiety and memory</li><li>Immune function<br /></li></ul></ul><p> <u><i><b>Tidbits of interest</b></i></u></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There are over 38,000 known species of mushrooms according to one source, another source said 14,000 --- I'd like to know who is doing the counting! I came across one site that said over a million types out there in the world. (Yes, I'm going to look into this a bit more...)</li><ul><li>Wikipedia - 14,000 species (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom</a>)</li><li>This explains a bit why there are possibly so many different numbers: <a href="https://www.lanl.gov/museum/news/newsletter/2018/01/fungi.php">https://www.lanl.gov/museum/news/newsletter/2018/01/fungi.php</a> and also <a href="https://www.wisegeek.com/how-many-species-of-fungi-are-there.htm">https://www.wisegeek.com/how-many-species-of-fungi-are-there.htm</a></li><li>I think some are just grabbing the guesstimates on total fungi, which includes more than mushrooms. <br /></li></ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXhjANOOE_oEczGK9luUzHEOCoVptCnqilSaeH71wYJgZD3xu1HWa9uON7bFrUFrnvaAnSW08scmxrpk3RH0YT5LN-pgkE1_XnRB_UHp9aQJLq0px4U_Ky-6uoif1Bf98zfxXQMj6fleY/s1920/mushroom-shitake.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXhjANOOE_oEczGK9luUzHEOCoVptCnqilSaeH71wYJgZD3xu1HWa9uON7bFrUFrnvaAnSW08scmxrpk3RH0YT5LN-pgkE1_XnRB_UHp9aQJLq0px4U_Ky-6uoif1Bf98zfxXQMj6fleY/s320/mushroom-shitake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There are around 300 edible types of mushroom (beware of those that aren't edible...many look very similar)</li><li>Ten (10) mushrooms are commonly grown commercially for consumers. </li><li>To get the benefits from ingesting mushrooms you need to do it consistently as they have a cumulative effect and you may not see changes initially. </li><li><b>Take a look at the negative side effects to ingesting some in excessive amounts before you get started.</b> Don't think that "if a little is good for cancer, for my brain, weight loss, then more is better, faster". I didn't go much into the potential negatives... Do your research before dumping masses of mushroom powder into your smoothies or coffee!</li><li>As with anything you're taking for medicinal or supplemental benefits it's a pretty good idea to occasionally take a break. Stopping for a short period every six months or so was the common suggestion I found. I do that with most of my supplements. I don't want my body to adjust to whatever I'm taking or quit doing its job because I'm swallowing pills and powders!<br /></li><li>Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of Vitamin D. Like humans they produce their own when exposed to sunlight.</li><li>Cooking mushrooms doesn't appear to impact the amount of ergothioneine and glutathione.</li><li>White button mushrooms are actually little baby portabella mushrooms. Cremini are a bit older portabellas (called teenagers in this article) - <a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/9/13/20863815/whats-the-difference-between-cremini-button-portobello-mushrooms" target="_blank">https://www.eater.com/2019/9/13/20863815/whats-the-difference-between-cremini-button-portobello-mushrooms</a> <i>(That may have been the biggest surprise in all of my reading about mushrooms!) </i><br /></li><li>Mushrooms are ingested as teas, tinctures, powders, capsules, raw, cooked. As with everything mushroom, there are varying opinions as to which is the best. Some don't work well eaten raw or cooked.<br /></li><ul><li><a href="https://healing-mushrooms.net/tinctures-vs-extracts" target="_blank">https://healing-mushrooms.net/tinctures-vs-extracts</a> <br /></li></ul><li>China produces over half of all cultivated mushrooms</li><li>Poland is the largest exporter of mushrooms<br /></li></ul><p></p><p><i><u><b>More info:</b></u></i></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV8nZCks7h63BSPkouOGFXrMDIiMkS_b8b9Pad_5UVB3YLBfm8WTB7uWthpUnbZ2OZoTXbqewFcPGHURrKixEEPJCcxyA6zUMtmJL8xQ6yPoVLoyeq8eNSe4Sk0kOngkBYp6rTi17zaQD/s1920/mushroom-funny.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV8nZCks7h63BSPkouOGFXrMDIiMkS_b8b9Pad_5UVB3YLBfm8WTB7uWthpUnbZ2OZoTXbqewFcPGHURrKixEEPJCcxyA6zUMtmJL8xQ6yPoVLoyeq8eNSe4Sk0kOngkBYp6rTi17zaQD/w320-h320/mushroom-funny.jpg" title="Just checking to see if you were paying attention..." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just checking to see if you were paying attention!</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Like this guy a lot: <a href="https://curativemushrooms.com/">https://curativemushrooms.com/</a><p></p><p>Another fave compilation of info: <a href="https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/">https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2019/03/26/mushrooms-and-brain-health-new-research-finds-a-potential-link-worth-considering/?sh=7de34c751f1b">https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2019/03/26/mushrooms-and-brain-health-new-research-finds-a-potential-link-worth-considering/?sh=7de34c751f1b</a></p><p><a href="https://grocycle.com/medicinal-mushrooms-the-complete-guide/">https://grocycle.com/medicinal-mushrooms-the-complete-guide/</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad180959">https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad180959</a></p><p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/</a></p><p><a href="https://foodrevolution.org/blog/mushrooms-nutrition-benefits-risks/">https://foodrevolution.org/blog/mushrooms-nutrition-benefits-risks/</a></p><p><a href="https://news.psu.edu/story/491477/2017/11/09/research/mushrooms-are-full-antioxidants-may-have-anti-aging-potential">https://news.psu.edu/story/491477/2017/11/09/research/mushrooms-are-full-antioxidants-may-have-anti-aging-potential</a></p><p><a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijo/33/6/1307">https://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijo/33/6/1307</a></p><p><a href="https://rxmushrooms.com/best-11-healthiest-mushrooms-to-eat/">https://rxmushrooms.com/best-11-healthiest-mushrooms-to-eat/</a></p><p><a href="https://urbol.com/mesima/">https://urbol.com/mesima/</a></p><p><a href="https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/">https://medicinalherbals.net/medicinal-mushrooms/</a></p><p><a href="https://mushroomscience.com/agaricus-blazei/">https://mushroomscience.com/agaricus-blazei/</a></p><p><a href="https://foodthesis.com/white-button-mushroom-health-benefits-and-side-effects/">https://foodthesis.com/white-button-mushroom-health-benefits-and-side-effects/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738246/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738246/</a></p><p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20116660/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20116660/</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-63634346297314723622021-01-02T11:27:00.005-05:002021-01-02T13:42:18.776-05:00Cutting out sugar? Good luck!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OLj3mmNjPVQ7YCnd7vDdiWd_qTx0EULecuhvwZdV5Ly0PeTkzWhACa8IfWBFssULvTEzNpM5DOhoOUsUTpXDsKKjoW_6cPZfkfIq9ZuTa5HFT2ZYLpfuQSxoqglfy-fibpd2vP0wWy3o/s1920/chocolate-candy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OLj3mmNjPVQ7YCnd7vDdiWd_qTx0EULecuhvwZdV5Ly0PeTkzWhACa8IfWBFssULvTEzNpM5DOhoOUsUTpXDsKKjoW_6cPZfkfIq9ZuTa5HFT2ZYLpfuQSxoqglfy-fibpd2vP0wWy3o/s320/chocolate-candy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When most think about cutting out sugar they immediately think ice cream, cake, cookies, pies, things along those lines. They ditch them but spend their time craving those sweet things and sooner or later talk themselves into "just one piece of candy"...and then it's all over. <p></p><p>One of the reasons many continue to crave sugar is they don't realize just how much sugar is in the everyday things they eat. I read one estimate years ago that said roughly 80% of the food in the center aisles and frozen sections contained one or more forms of sugar. A more current study said 74% of our processed foods contain sugar. The decrease could simply be due to the fact that more and more of us are clamoring for healthy products. <br /></p><p>Yours truly is a sugar-addict. The only way for me to curb my desire for sugar was to cut it out entirely. That meant I had to learn a lot about sugar. </p><p>I've been sugar-free off and on since I was around 19. My interest in sugar, and being sugar-free, started when I walked into my dentist's office and he had a display of annual sugar consumption per person --- real sugar being used, not just photos. He started with a small baby jar with a tiny bit in it. </p><p>I couldn't tell you the year he started but it seems it was around the time of the founding of America. The amount increased every year until the five pound bags (now I think they only sell 4 pound bags?) were 2 or 3 rows deep, maybe 3 wide and about my height. I don't remember exactly but it caught my attention. He was trying to prevent tooth decay. It was an eye-opener for me!</p><p>Back then the Internet and all the easy info at our fingertips didn't exist. I hit the library. I learned about what sugar did to our body, about how it was produced, about the countries that cultivated it and more. I read the book Sugar Blues (still have it). I went sugar-free for the first time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0fTTOF9NBRwZvkxAihQMAS8AN446BekPTtcvYb1UuiUEdmyaYjOnnUJ2Z1Ej7Ohl33kbCu73NIrFi2IoDTI4iYcoG_bwqk7cNYnOHGJreQifVwLqqp1EsBcWkT5PADKvNekS5qwQdojj/s1920/brownies.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0fTTOF9NBRwZvkxAihQMAS8AN446BekPTtcvYb1UuiUEdmyaYjOnnUJ2Z1Ej7Ohl33kbCu73NIrFi2IoDTI4iYcoG_bwqk7cNYnOHGJreQifVwLqqp1EsBcWkT5PADKvNekS5qwQdojj/s320/brownies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the years I've done some back-sliding. It's hard to resist my mother's caramel cake, ice cream, and my biggest challenge...brownies. OK, OK, anything chocolate can tempt me!<p></p><p>Somewhere along the line I realized that one of the reasons I kept backsliding was that sugar was in almost every product I bought. Crackers, mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and pretty much every packaged or processed food. It kept my system tuned into sugar and it kept my cravings alive.</p><p>So, I started reading labels closer. I did more research. I learned that there are over 60 names used to hide sugar. Some of the products I bought had 3 or 4 different kinds. I knew they listed the ingredients in order of highest weight content down. Sneaky. They could put sugar as the 4th ingredient, then another type as the 6th, another as the 8th... Altogether the amounts were whoppingly high.</p><p>I did look at the amount in the top portion, the Nutrient Content, but if I was looking at something like raisin bran one would expect to see a higher sugar content, right? Why would someone add two or three other kinds of sugar to something so sweet? Yet they do.<br /></p><p>Manufacturers weren't required to differentiate between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars in the Nutrient Content until<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-new-nutrition-facts-label" target="_blank"> recently (finally)</a>. The percentages are based on serving size so be sure to take a good look at the serving size first if you watch what you eat. The serving sizes are often ridiculously small and thus the content per serving of many things is skewed if you're just using that alone. Sometimes I'll look at the number of servings in a package and just roll my eyes.<br /></p><p>Also, if amounts are below a certain threshold per serving they are allowed to put zero (0). Want to bet they play around a lot with serving sizes, what they want to promote and what they want to hide?</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebAahJCCZWEt6DO7FZa5JMUVYiHoaORRI3q738cGga5B7xrO6x307cNBZp5YPE7oxc6llIAr8G4BbfxcJM6mJh6_Q0Gyd4ijp9smiee5RQLEhZJyPRFmSid7yNjoQv4OG9sXHAyUHJcRy/s1920/sugar-poison.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebAahJCCZWEt6DO7FZa5JMUVYiHoaORRI3q738cGga5B7xrO6x307cNBZp5YPE7oxc6llIAr8G4BbfxcJM6mJh6_Q0Gyd4ijp9smiee5RQLEhZJyPRFmSid7yNjoQv4OG9sXHAyUHJcRy/s320/sugar-poison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now I wander through stores reading labels, looking at the list of ingredients first. I look at the oils, the sugars, and for other key things I avoid. I generally eat like our ancestors on the farm ate or earlier (aside from the fact that I don't eat meat...another blog for another day but it's mostly habit now that they sell meats without all the crap in them). I'm a mix of paleo, keto, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian --- in other words I've come up with a diet specific to my body and health. <p></p><p>I don't think I really need to go into all the reasons sugar is bad for us, do I? </p><p>I did post a story (press release) on why sugar was good for you way, way back. No, not to ingest, but to heal wounds. I note that in one study cited they mixed sugar with iodine. (<a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2008/10/healing-power-of-sugar.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2008/10/healing-power-of-sugar.html</a>)<br /></p><p>Wondering what kind of names hide sugar in products? Generally, to make it easier, if something ends in "ose" or has syrup attached then it's sugar. However, they do get sneaky with the names as you'll see in this list of <i><b>some</b></i> sugars in our foods:<br /></p><ul><li>Agave nectar <br /></li><li>Barley malt</li><li>Barbados sugar</li><li>Beet sugar</li><li>Brown sugar</li><li>Buttered syrup</li><li>Cane juice</li><li>Cane sugar</li><li>Caramel</li><li>Carob syrup <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtvQl_fxYso4FHUoR4P16Q_HjWbVqlUemcQsFbVs9-i3dX4tTcWcTNd6d_giFeY39aHdmdpKWBv7knajdKd5RFlbZkvjr6gMLcP-ADQDSvNvaxaLXUXAH23IZhdfj3cf4YykIqzTCBxfk/s1920/sugar.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtvQl_fxYso4FHUoR4P16Q_HjWbVqlUemcQsFbVs9-i3dX4tTcWcTNd6d_giFeY39aHdmdpKWBv7knajdKd5RFlbZkvjr6gMLcP-ADQDSvNvaxaLXUXAH23IZhdfj3cf4YykIqzTCBxfk/s320/sugar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>Corn syrup</li><li>Corn syrup solids</li><li>Confectioner’s sugar</li><li>Carob syrup</li><li>Castor sugar</li><li>Date sugar</li><li>Dehydrated cane juice</li><li>Demerara sugar</li><li>Dextran</li><li>Dextrose</li><li>Diastatic malt</li><li>Diatase</li><li>Ethyl maltol</li><li>Free flowing brown sugars</li><li>Fructose</li><li>Fruit juice</li><li>Fruit juice concentrate</li><li>Galactose</li><li>Glucose</li><li>Glucose solids</li><li>Golden sugar</li><li>Golden syrup</li><li>Granulated sugar</li><li>Grape sugar</li><li>High fructose corn syrup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSCNvvzcZeQp5mpLPVyciILVtKSCpiW_1mVkkVnMHXMetTZInxOKoPxO7-xa9hyphenhypheniggtw9soMFR5SD1HzlB2AmvbFiSF6S4n1vNdLAcKWKUQW_IA_RiSsdMKAkuwWOhkBXqg3fBQvDbIEo/s1920/sugar-fattening.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSCNvvzcZeQp5mpLPVyciILVtKSCpiW_1mVkkVnMHXMetTZInxOKoPxO7-xa9hyphenhypheniggtw9soMFR5SD1HzlB2AmvbFiSF6S4n1vNdLAcKWKUQW_IA_RiSsdMKAkuwWOhkBXqg3fBQvDbIEo/s320/sugar-fattening.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>Honey</li><li>Icing sugar</li><li>Invert sugar</li><li>Lactose</li><li>Malt</li><li>Maltodextrin</li><li>Maltose</li><li>Malt syrup</li><li>Mannitol</li><li>Maple syrup</li><li>Molasses</li><li>Muscovado</li><li>Oat syrup </li><li>Palm sugar<br /></li><li>Panocha</li><li>Powdered sugar</li><li>Rapadura sugar <br /></li><li>Raw sugar</li><li>Refiner’s syrup</li><li>Rice syrup</li><li>Rice bran syrup <br /></li><li>Sucrose</li><li>Treacle</li><li>Turbinado sugar</li><li>Yellow sugar</li></ul><p><i><b>If you're concerned about high fructose corn syrup be sure to read this article. They have gotten sneaky about including it! <a href="https://livelovefruit.com/new-names-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup/">https://livelovefruit.com/new-names-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup/</a></b></i> </p><p>Here are names used by manufacturers to hide fructose:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpI2ybCFHYyv-45fZBepGAkLfosfsMB2jnlmOJUo6lhZehyphenhyphennXwiM3aKu2c4CjHbjz6Mtru2YZ2figgmUxgSSCy4R18sfYtxbp98T55-iyKkGFzDNZflTiCYkXIVqO8UlOaFMcTPmPrOBvj/s1920/cereal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpI2ybCFHYyv-45fZBepGAkLfosfsMB2jnlmOJUo6lhZehyphenhyphennXwiM3aKu2c4CjHbjz6Mtru2YZ2figgmUxgSSCy4R18sfYtxbp98T55-iyKkGFzDNZflTiCYkXIVqO8UlOaFMcTPmPrOBvj/s320/cereal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Maize syrup</li><li>Glucose syrup</li><li>Glucose-fructose syrup</li><li>Tapioca syrup</li><li>Fruit fructose</li><li>Crystalline fructose</li><li>HFCS </li><li>Isoglucose</li><li>Corn syrup</li><li>Dahlia syrup</li></ul><p></p><p><b>More reading if you'd like to delve deeper: </b><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.sweetleaf.com/how-sugar-hides-in-your-food/">https://www.sweetleaf.com/how-sugar-hides-in-your-food/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/1937818/56-names-sugar-food-industry-uses-hide-how-much-their">https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/1937818/56-names-sugar-food-industry-uses-hide-how-much-their</a></p><p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-sugar-is-hidden">https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-sugar-is-hidden</a> </p><p><a href="https://asweetlife.org/how-food-companies-hide-sugar-in-plain-sight/">https://asweetlife.org/how-food-companies-hide-sugar-in-plain-sight/</a></p><p><a href="https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/different-words-sugar-food-labels-8373.html">https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/different-words-sugar-food-labels-8373.html</a></p><p><a href="http://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidden-in-plain-sight/#.X_CFIxZOmUk">http://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidden-in-plain-sight/#.X_CFIxZOmUk</a></p><p>https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-new-nutrition-facts-label</p><p>https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/finding-the-hidden-sugar-in-the-foods-you-eat<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-65614653444554496132020-12-31T09:27:00.005-05:002021-01-02T11:34:27.549-05:00Swinging moods...anger...frustration and related...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPxsjg_eEuleoyNvwkM6pzgvn3V-VgqbcpKbrLlVhnzOG2hPSvFPdGUfucAFFWTSSxMwUFoL044n8Tp8X0T2cnjcwAjppug6mZ1wUsJ1UAplAUx_NBNxWMmntY2-STaC0dsQG5Z-fQhtK/s1920/smiley.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPxsjg_eEuleoyNvwkM6pzgvn3V-VgqbcpKbrLlVhnzOG2hPSvFPdGUfucAFFWTSSxMwUFoL044n8Tp8X0T2cnjcwAjppug6mZ1wUsJ1UAplAUx_NBNxWMmntY2-STaC0dsQG5Z-fQhtK/s320/smiley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Someone I love has mood swings. Anger. Frustration. Lashing out at times. She gets upset at herself after an outburst and gets down about it. Most of the time she's a joy. This is not a situation where therapy would help although she is seeing someone. She's young, and this may be a stage, could be related to hormones to some degree. <p></p><p>I decided to do some research for some possible herbal and supplemental solutions or assistance. May find some foods that also help but I'm not going down the yoga, exercise, meditation route as that's not an option for our girl and most of us already know they are good for our overall mental and physical health. <br /></p><p>I'm going to just pop things I find on here and will circle back to this blog with updates on what helped or more things to consider. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_QZt04FjxWCxacj9dP9klYrT76Fz3bqQxX8FprAK7cjJbTqgRFYXXwX2cJiisLDgxa90PJhbXFSjU4T7sQ3lNf8ePGAFmGoXgA3Klr4J-aTWFB70X8uCVt8R8bYQkLUyTVn_L16M6USP/s1920/bomb.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_QZt04FjxWCxacj9dP9klYrT76Fz3bqQxX8FprAK7cjJbTqgRFYXXwX2cJiisLDgxa90PJhbXFSjU4T7sQ3lNf8ePGAFmGoXgA3Klr4J-aTWFB70X8uCVt8R8bYQkLUyTVn_L16M6USP/s320/bomb.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>You'll find that many, if not all, of these help with sleep also. Stands to reason that if you're calm you're going to sleep better and vice versa! <i>(Note: for more on sleep check out the blog I have on the sidebar and do a search on here for sleep...it is one of my ongoing research areas and I'm always adding things about improving deep and REM sleep.)</i><br /></p><p><u><b>Magnesium</b></u> - we know it's good for sleep, for our brain, but it's also listed as one that helps with stabilizing moods. It is an anti-stressor and studies have shown that it reduces stress levels and anxiety. Magnesium citrate powder is easily absorbed and the magnesium version I keep seeing as being the best for this particular issue.</p><p><u><b>Vitamin D</b></u> - thinking getting outside in the sun for our minimum 20 minutes a day is usually the best way to get our D. Especially if combined with some movement like walking or riding a bike. Might not be the best way if you live in an area with heavy pollution.</p><p><u><b>5-HTP</b></u> - mood swings, depression, and sleep issues. <br /></p><p><u><b>Ashwagandha</b></u> - great for your brain, memory also. (ha --- spellcheck tried to turn ashwagandha into "handwashing".)<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRelCZrVk-Qj1UXoVHFTmHbrDwamq5k7HVbdXeN-jePh2p2exTZDEdm8oyhonFxx3vB5YO_941HxJIXk1G7TGJGI5BnITNMrdCqkufGh-hjvHzKatVBjlJ7iIXq9CZgkIy412acpj1cw6S/s1920/ball-happy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRelCZrVk-Qj1UXoVHFTmHbrDwamq5k7HVbdXeN-jePh2p2exTZDEdm8oyhonFxx3vB5YO_941HxJIXk1G7TGJGI5BnITNMrdCqkufGh-hjvHzKatVBjlJ7iIXq9CZgkIy412acpj1cw6S/s320/ball-happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><b>Ginseng</b></u> - mood, anger, focus, energy and more. <br /><p></p><p><u><b>Rhodiola Rosea</b></u> - I bought some and it's a sticky kind of herb, hard to cut up and use. I need to see if there are other versions I can buy, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I wanted to add it to my anti-anxiety tea blend that I make up for a friend but the type I bought turned out to be too hard to incorporate in a tea mix. <br /></p><p><u><b>Passion Flower</b></u> - helps with sleep and calms moods. <br /></p><p><u><b>St. John's Wort</b></u> - one that is mentioned over and over for mood swings, anxiety, similar issues. One said it is "the top herb" in this area.<br /></p><p><u><b>Kava Kava</b></u> - sleep, calmness, relaxation of nerves, anxiety, mood swings.</p><p><u><b>Chamomile</b></u> - sleep, anger, skin swelling, stomach cramps. <br /></p><p><u><b>Valerian Root</b></u> - mood swings, sleep, restlessness, depression. </p><p><u><b>Sam-E</b></u> - also good for your joints<br /></p><p><u><b>Omega 3</b></u> - eat a lot of wild caught salmon! </p><p><u><b>B Vitamins</b></u> - B5, 6 & 12 in particular. </p><p>These are some I came across that I'll update as I find out more. Listing so you can look into them before I do if you'd like:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Catuaba</li><li>Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng <br /></li><li>Ginkgo biloba (I use the herb in some of my teas for reasons other than mood) <br /></li><li>Maca root or Peruvian ginseng</li><li>Mulberry bark tea (I eat dried white mulberries...will have to look up to see if they also have a positive mood impact)<br /></li><li>Schizandra (Wu Wei Zi) <br /></li><li>Shilajit</li><li>Tribulus terrestris <br /></li><li>Yohimbine <br /></li></ul><p><u><i><b>Some additional comments, my own thoughts after years of working to improve my mind and body naturally: <br /></b></i></u></p><p>I believe there are many things in our foods and diet that contribute and/or cause a lot, if not most, of our health and mind issues. Allergies to additives like red dye (disputed but there are many children who have had complete mood changes for the good when foods with red dye were removed from their diets). Gluten sensitivity. All those additives we can't pronounce in our processed foods. The list is long...pesticides, fast foods, preservatives, etc. </p><p><b><a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2021/01/cutting-out-sugar-good-luck.html" target="_blank">Sugar in our foods</a> is a big contributor to mood swings.</b> They use it as a cheap filler...plus it is addictive so we keep going back for more and often don't like things that don't have sugar included. [<i>Who puts sugar in mayonnaise? blue cheese dressing? Mass producers of those products. You won't find sugar in the recipe books.</i> Check out my blog on sugar: <a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2021/01/cutting-out-sugar-good-luck.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2021/01/cutting-out-sugar-good-luck.html</a>] </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9jVgRScNInzGiiG5FT7x91avQfB3wJ5v1E5eOItI8iJwE4NjZBlbennfDCcJcxAAeA6hsJB7SYCWYUtx2_T5X-2iuF3DRsONHXfacumE95Ln81cRwXf59QUosapb0ZQRbL8BtDZINuTx/s1920/unhappy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9jVgRScNInzGiiG5FT7x91avQfB3wJ5v1E5eOItI8iJwE4NjZBlbennfDCcJcxAAeA6hsJB7SYCWYUtx2_T5X-2iuF3DRsONHXfacumE95Ln81cRwXf59QUosapb0ZQRbL8BtDZINuTx/s320/unhappy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Doubt me on how addictive sugar is? Try going sugar-free for a couple of weeks. I'm not talking about just ditching sodas and cake, I'm talking about looking at labels and taking anything out of your diet that lists any of the hundreds of names they give to sugar to hide it from you. </p><p>I've done a number of blogs on sugar and mention it often in my health posts. I also have a Facebook group, private, called Little Life Hacks (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlelifehacks">https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlelifehacks</a>) where I post things of interest so maybe I posted on there. You're welcome to join the group, just let me know you heard about it on here.</p><p>Our sedentary lifestyle also has a negative impact. The fact that we hang out more inside than outside. The wacky light exposure we now get throwing off our circadian rhythm. So many things we consider "normal" that truly aren't good for our bodies.<br /></p><p>I eat organic as much as possible and definitely stay away from the "Dirty Dozen". </p><p><u><b>Some suggested reading:</b></u><br /></p><p><a href="https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/supplements-mood-support/">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/supplements-mood-support/</a></p><p><a href="https://ehowremedies.com/health/natural-herbal-supplements-to-control-anger-and-mood-swings/">https://ehowremedies.com/health/natural-herbal-supplements-to-control-anger-and-mood-swings/</a></p><p><a href="https://globalhealing.com/natural-health/top-5-herbs-for-controlling-mood-swings/">https://globalhealing.com/natural-health/top-5-herbs-for-controlling-mood-swings/</a></p><p><a href="https://urbol.com/natural-mood-stabilizers/">https://urbol.com/natural-mood-stabilizers/</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-82407994931421406542020-12-30T10:40:00.005-05:002021-01-02T07:15:03.998-05:00Vitamin C is just vitamin C, right? Updated 1/2/2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaqRDH4aH5Y4gp9wAwz4UiPEx7lfGbsKdOTw-fejQWn6rwokQwlkHuYzd2LJV6yAAuSb0dmmOagmwttLrlLL0tv8N7FQZAfwxcUxS2S5YOJaIg51KHjh9vhJYkuM0yMepo8b-oJNO68Nd/s1920/salad2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaqRDH4aH5Y4gp9wAwz4UiPEx7lfGbsKdOTw-fejQWn6rwokQwlkHuYzd2LJV6yAAuSb0dmmOagmwttLrlLL0tv8N7FQZAfwxcUxS2S5YOJaIg51KHjh9vhJYkuM0yMepo8b-oJNO68Nd/s320/salad2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We've all heard about needing vitamin C, how it is in fruits and veggies, how it is good to take when you're ill, and many other great things about its value. I'm betting that most of us take it either alone or in a multi-vitamin. <p></p><p>As always, foods are the best way to get any vitamin or mineral but most of us don't eat enough, or eat right, to get everything we need. And sometimes we're battling issues where an extra bump is needed either temporarily or ongoing. There are tons of ways to add some extras to your foods (that'll be another blog, of course :-)).<br /></p><p>When buying Vitamin C in supplement form, if you're like me, you opted for a well-known label and thought nothing more about it. Knowing it's water soluble and that your body uses what it needs and flushes the rest you may have opted for time release or small dosages to take throughout the day. </p><p>A while back I picked up some powder form by NOW at Sprouts and have been adding it to my smoothies (doing whatever I can to decrease the number of pills I take!). I have never given it a second thought. I just finished off the large bottle and, coincidentally, came across a short blurb about vitamin C that spurred me to look into it a bit more.<br /></p><p><i>Can NOTHING be simple? :-) </i></p><p>It turns out that there are a variety of types, some absorb better than others and...and...and... In looking into Vitamin C I also found that it does much more than I thought! Who knew it was good for your memory? </p><p>First the types, then the benefits.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>Types</b></i></u></span><br /></p><p><b>Ascorbic Acid</b> - <br /></p><p>Synthetically made but identical to natural C. It's also the cheapest. Acidic and causes some to have stomach issues due to the acidity. From what I've read it is derived from fermented GMO corn...thus I would not be an advocate of using this one.<br /></p><p>There are a number of mineral ascorbates that SOME say are less troublesome to those with gastrointestinal issues. They are considered "buffered". However, you need to look at the max daily (or cumulative) dosage for the mineral, especially if you are taking multi vitamins or take the minerals individually.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bhc3xX7QmXG4u1y7yZE7iEVQyL7aTDq5thpBN1F4LyE6_LufeYNMzcgnKdR-aeTkJFWZJfQvNjIhkBZhoOimZsiXwREqEwsPVCnxqpgiGVwwS-twVDahy5u0PesjreI1HDjTWt92ueKd/s1920/soup.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bhc3xX7QmXG4u1y7yZE7iEVQyL7aTDq5thpBN1F4LyE6_LufeYNMzcgnKdR-aeTkJFWZJfQvNjIhkBZhoOimZsiXwREqEwsPVCnxqpgiGVwwS-twVDahy5u0PesjreI1HDjTWt92ueKd/s320/soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>- <i>Calcium Ascorbate</i> (may be good for bone health but there's some debate about calcium so do some research), <br />- <i>Magnesium Ascorbate</i> (good for leg cramps, pooping regularly and other things), <br />- <i>Sodium Ascorbate</i> (be careful with this one if you have salt issues, high blood pressure - 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate contains roughly 111 mg of sodium). <br />- <i>Potassium Ascorbate</i><br />- <i>Zinc Ascorbate</i><br />- <i>Manganese Ascorbate</i><br />- <i>Molybdenum Ascorbate</i><b><br />- </b><i>Chromium Ascorbate</i><br /><br />I probably missed a few...the list is long.</p><p>Studies have shown that there doesn't seem to be any clinical difference between the synthetic and natural and both are equally bioavailable.<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Yours truly thinks natural, "real" is always better.<b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Ascorbate and Vitamin C Metabolites</b> - </span> </p><p>Ester-C is patented calcium-ascorbate with a bit of <span style="font-weight: 400;">calcium threonate, xylonate, lyxonate, and dehydroascorbic acid. The maker claims it had higher absorption rates into the blood but a 2008 study showed equal amounts with regular Vitamin C. However, there was a higher concentration in the white blood cells. <br /></span></p><p><b>Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (antioxidants; </b><b>polyphenolic compounds found in plants)</b></p><p>One study showed it had a 35% higher absorption rate than regular ascorbic acid. However there are numerous studies that show no difference. Purportedly easier on the digestion system also. Again, there are those who disagree with that statement. I suppose it is up to you to discover whether it's true or not for your particular stomach!<br /></p><p><b>Liposomal Vitamin C</b></p><p>It has a fat-soluble coating that increases absorption. Saw a number of studies showing increases in absorption. <br /></p><p><b>Ascorbyl Palmitate</b></p><p>Typically this one is used in skin creams, lotions, etc. as it is absorbed better. The formulation makes it fat soluble rather than water soluble. I've read quite a bit about Vitamin C being great for our skin and use a cream that includes it. I'll be checking to see which Vitamin C is used after I finish this post! This type is also used to preserve food.<br /></p><p><b>Vitamin C with Rose Hips (the fruit of the rose plant) </b><br /></p><p>Rose hips are high in Vitamin C and numerous other antioxidants and is easily absorbed. Typically they combine synthetic ascorbic acid with rose hips.</p><p></p><p><b>D-Isoascorbic acid (Erythorbic acid)</b></p><p>Used as a food antioxidant in the United States.<br /><br /><b>Ascorbyl palmitate</b><br /><br />Used to increase the shelf-life of things with vegetable oils like chips, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>The benefits of Vitamin C</b></i></u></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Gz2HfNFnyyLnO71OZqcg-rsin97-YpCVRzMLhLEcxSKlC84awzbBSna3y2dcQ3OpSOdJ3nhn9by8YucSqLZmc-dUATyMXzAkeQ0ujc4ti9m2V0GQs56pvFnHNswH2BEDA4oigqys7s2/s1920/peppers.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Gz2HfNFnyyLnO71OZqcg-rsin97-YpCVRzMLhLEcxSKlC84awzbBSna3y2dcQ3OpSOdJ3nhn9by8YucSqLZmc-dUATyMXzAkeQ0ujc4ti9m2V0GQs56pvFnHNswH2BEDA4oigqys7s2/s320/peppers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><li>Increases iron absorption</li><li>Helps improve memory</li><li>Supports the immune system</li><li>Helps with periodontal health</li><li>Helps to prevent colds & respiratory problems</li><li>Good for heart health</li><li>Helps to prevent seizures</li><li>Helps to prevent blood infections</li><li>Great for skin</li><li>Supports the formation of collagen and L-carnitine</li><li>Has been shown to slightly lower blood pressure</li><li>Helps reduce the chances of getting gout<br /></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>Who should take Vitamin C?</b></i></u></span></p><p>Well, I'm definitely not a doctor or trained practitioner but unless you're eating a good supply of veggies and fruits I'd posit that most of us need extra. Especially if you smoke, are stressed, bruise easily, have toxin issues like exposure to mercury (fillings in teeth?) and lead, live in areas with higher pollution, have joint pain or bleeding gums.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>The type I'm going to look for (and will update this blog as I find)</b></i></u></span></span></p><p>- ones made from natural foods like camu-camu, acerola berry, orange peel, and/or rosehips</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>Things to watch out for when choosing a Vitamin C supplement</b></i></u></span></p><p>They love to put cheap fillers in vitamins, especially the chewable, that, in my opinion, negate the benefits. Sugar, sucralose, stearic acid, natural flavors, artificial flavors and colors, carageenan, vegetable magnesium stearate, rice powder (if you're on a low-carb diet) are ingredients that would have me putting it back on the shelf. You may pay more for quality but it's not really paying more if you're getting something that works AND doesn't have crap in it that will hurt you. </p><p>There are other things I watch out for when buying vitamin supplements that may not be an issue with Vitamin C supplements. I'll let you know if I find them as I wander around on-line looking for a good Vitamin C. Right now I'm leaning toward buying either camu-camu or acerola powder. It looks pricey at first glance but when I cost it out it seems to be very reasonable.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>What dosage?</b></i></u></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIPAG2FEhkyICQELmP13wrwbUjGTDilGg3y-tiA7eKxj5ieHXXjF5ThI-U9OnMbqIu_Z-5DljVC2RSCupy7-1mmAKO3SyoZY8i1ZkQLNOAnn_6bFx_xhgA-8ld2qkKlqvs1FdPNj2lfcM/s1920/salad.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIPAG2FEhkyICQELmP13wrwbUjGTDilGg3y-tiA7eKxj5ieHXXjF5ThI-U9OnMbqIu_Z-5DljVC2RSCupy7-1mmAKO3SyoZY8i1ZkQLNOAnn_6bFx_xhgA-8ld2qkKlqvs1FdPNj2lfcM/s320/salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Generally, from what I've read, it's safe up to around 3,000 mg a day. After that you'll probably be sitting on the toilet regretting those high doses. However, if you break it up throughout the day even higher doses can be tolerated without diarrhea. <p></p><p>2,000 mg per day is what seems to be the general consensus on dosage that I ran across for prevention of gout, decreasing blood pressure, fighting infections. However, if you consistently take high doses it may increase your chances of getting cataracts and some say cause kidney stones. Conversely, studies have shown that Vitamin C helps to prevent cataracts. Balance. It's always about balance.<br /></p><p>The "official" recommended minimum daily range is between 65 and 90 mg with smokers needing an addition 35 mg. Per ConsumerLab.com (where I do a lot of research; paid site) the dosage between 50 and 100 mg is "sufficient for most adults". </p><p>The recommended dosages are set for the minimum requirements to live. You know how you eat, what you eat...if you're eating a lot of fresh organic veggies you're probably good to go without supplementation unless you've been exposed to some nasty virus or illness, or you feel yourself fighting something, or you're stressed, or you don't exercise, or you live with any kind of pollution, or if you are exposed to toxins, mold...or...or... OK, OK, take a supplement when in those situations! :-) <br /></p><p>I'm an advocate of breaking it up through the day no matter what dose you take. That's one of the reasons I switched to adding a powdered Vitamin C to my smoothie or daily drink. I mix a large bottle in the morning with my C and other powders and drink it all day, adding water or herbal tea or ice to keep it fresh and filled. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>Little tidbits of interest</b></i></u></span></p><p>One study found that only 50% of time released Vitamin C was absorbed, another found that the slow release was equal to taking small doses. Could be some formulas are better than others? </p><p>Vitamin C increases your bodies ability to absorb iron. <i>(Personal note: I learned last year that I have a condition where I have high iron in my blood. Supposedly, from the research I did, the only way to get rid of the excess iron is to donate blood. I need to do a bit more research on it and, given the increased absorption rate with Vitamin C, may need to back away from taking it as a supplement. I do know that excess iron in your system can cause some not-so-good health issues.) </i><br /></p><p>Your body can't manufacture Vitamin C so you have to get it in your foods or as a supplement</p><p>Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i><b>More info (and where I got some of my info):</b></i></u></span><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.iherb.com/blog/vitamin-c-forms/994">https://www.iherb.com/blog/vitamin-c-forms/994</a></p><p><a href="https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C/supplemental-forms">https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C/supplemental-forms</a></p><p><a href="https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C/supplemental-forms">https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C/supplemental-forms</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://modernalternativemama.com/2015/10/19/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-vitamin-c/">https://modernalternativemama.com/2015/10/19/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-vitamin-c/</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/lindsey/benefits-of-vitamin-c-and-vitamin-c-types">https://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/lindsey/benefits-of-vitamin-c-and-vitamin-c-types</a></p><p><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/">https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/</a><br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-5302147529466413232020-12-27T09:02:00.010-05:002020-12-27T16:23:02.502-05:00Shankhapushpi (Dwarf Morning Glory, aloe weed, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitoria ternatea, Evolvulus alstinoides, Codonopsis pilosula, Canscora decussate)<p>Well, dingbat here, was digging through my refrigerator bin with powders and herbs and found my bag of powdered Shankapushpi (or Shankhapushpi). I have a tendency to get interested in something, buy it and USE it...but this is one I remember getting during a really stressful time, I tried it for a bit, and I put it in the fridge for "later". It slid to the bottom of the bin and my mind. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVtFpWIu9c_g7lWUWeDGEut_hpNyhZijagzLZPyVSB0PAU20NNf_UC0HBQd5CR0ouUdHcMJRPynsnD4GpB1_GxRA9cBPhGv9lFCgcsMItjRSL8UfahcpbbWaqwqKHyTX0vf-MFIGDLpmi/s1920/dementia.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVtFpWIu9c_g7lWUWeDGEut_hpNyhZijagzLZPyVSB0PAU20NNf_UC0HBQd5CR0ouUdHcMJRPynsnD4GpB1_GxRA9cBPhGv9lFCgcsMItjRSL8UfahcpbbWaqwqKHyTX0vf-MFIGDLpmi/w320-h213/dementia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The plus side to coming across it this morning is that I get to be excited about trying it again so it's a two-fer??? Not exactly excited but I'm off doing some re-research to re-learn why I bought it. If I remember correctly it didn't do much for my sleep but it could be that it needs to build.</p><p></p><p></p><p>It sounds really good but I've gotten a bit jaded when it comes to all the things out there that are said to do wonderful things, especially when they have such a long list of benefits. Not doubting they work but none of them are miracle workers and what works for one person may not for another. It could be that this will help me personally in one area but not another. Getting ready to start again and find out!<br /></p><p>It has many reported benefits for the brain AND to a lesser degree for sleep, two big areas of interest for me. In reading about it the memory enhancement and cognitive benefits top the list as to reasons people use it. The list of what it purportedly does/helps with includes:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Memory enhancement (long-term), improved concentration & mental fatigue, & focus</li><li>Alzhiemer's disease & other dementias (here's an interesting bit about two of the different types of Shankhapushpi: <a href="https://www.jpionline.org/index.php/ijpi/article/view/827">https://www.jpionline.org/index.php/ijpi/article/view/827</a>)<br /></li><li>Epilepsy <br /></li><li>Depression</li><li>Ulcers <br /></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVScXiF3dFpP6o8BLDaztzKvz1k5DiL1K1PmdyJkYrqIfSxFx6OErEWkCNJ4scN1IKfBQHc6F5axMXOTYCbaNDgq3EL2Jsl3UgcVPJnK2AeFjIWZM_wnWfYx2_HYOoS5-eEHlrvK34fmGy/s1920/stress.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVScXiF3dFpP6o8BLDaztzKvz1k5DiL1K1PmdyJkYrqIfSxFx6OErEWkCNJ4scN1IKfBQHc6F5axMXOTYCbaNDgq3EL2Jsl3UgcVPJnK2AeFjIWZM_wnWfYx2_HYOoS5-eEHlrvK34fmGy/w400-h268/stress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Stress & anxiety</li><li>Sleep</li><li>Headache prevention</li><li>Skin health</li><li>Digestion </li><li>Cardio health<br /></li><li>Learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism<br /></li><li>Liver disease</li><li>Nausea & vomiting</li><li>Bronchitis & asthma</li><li>Graying hair, hair loss</li><li>Diabetes<br /></li></ul><p></p><p><b>A few tidbits:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There are four (4) plants known as Shankhapushpi: <em>Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitoria ternatea, Evolvulus alstinoides (found it called </em><em><em class="post-caption">Vishnukarandhi, Vishnukrantha, Vishnu-kranta, Vishukarandi, and Sankaholi)</em>, and Codonopsis pilosula. <b>Update:</b> just came across a site that says the four are </em><em>Convolvulus pluricaulis</em>, <em>Evolvulus alsinoides</em>, <em>Clitoria ternatea</em>, and <em>Canscora decussate with the first being the "true" Dwarf Morning Glory. Yikes, now we're up to five plants and who knows how many names..</em><em><em class="post-caption">.</em> Sigh. Ya'll are on your own...I'd need a doctorate to figure out which one is true at this point. I have Evolvulus alstinoides...which a number of sites said was "the best". Who knows? They generally all said they did the same thing in reading.<br /></em></li><li>You can use the oil, capsules, syrup, powder, juice or make a decoction.</li><li>It's a perennial Indian plant (also found in Burma)<br /></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHSSu9IURPSovD-7llGqIZ1lPbQS_zupRumaZ7fmN2iFMmgxCvaptgqSf5DCHvyf-0PQLjkuX0fOG7RMvX7fkUDZKYLosp2xlDzFE9URk9Ge2DmipZWQNkEGLKsWQYDAOkNAYNL6uSxQV/s1920/blood-pressure.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHSSu9IURPSovD-7llGqIZ1lPbQS_zupRumaZ7fmN2iFMmgxCvaptgqSf5DCHvyf-0PQLjkuX0fOG7RMvX7fkUDZKYLosp2xlDzFE9URk9Ge2DmipZWQNkEGLKsWQYDAOkNAYNL6uSxQV/w200-h133/blood-pressure.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Check with your doctor if you're taking medications to lower your blood pressure or have any other health issues. I didn't see any big warning signs about taking it but it's always advisable to go slow with anything new you're adding.<br /></li><li>At extremely high doses it can slow down your respiratory system so make sure you stick to the recommended doses. I always cycle things like this just to be on the safe side. I also cycle things to make sure my body doesn't adjust to whatever I'm taking --- sometimes your body adjusts and quits making its own cancer fighters, sugar regulators, etc. All we're trying to do with supplementation is enhance, not kill or suppress, what our body can do for us if treated well.<br /></li><li>There is some debate as to whether the shankpushpi from Clitoria ternatea or Convolvulus pluricaulis is the best...seems that the Clitoria ternatea wins out for purists but it seems the Convolvulus is more common. I plan to do a bit more reading on this one...came across it late in my research. Not sure which one I have either so going to grab my bag to see. <b><i>Update: I have Banyan Botanicals, Evolvulus alstinoides (saw it called </i></b><b><i><em class="post-caption">Vishnukranthi on one site) </em>also known as Dwarf Morning Glory herb per the label on the bag --- which means yours truly has more research to do! I am going to look it up using the common title, see if I can find out what the difference is between the three I have now come across. Traveling an interesting investigative trail. :-)</i></b><br /></li><li>The blooms closely resemble those of the Morning Glory so you'll see that mentioned frequently if you're out reading. It's not morning glory so don't go getting high on those morning glory seeds :-).<br /></li><li>Throughout history it has been a major part of Ayurvedic medicine practice</li><li>It has a bitter taste so you may want to mix it with something sweet if you're not taking capsules</li></ul><p><b>Dosage</b><br /></p><p>The dosage suggestions vary widely and depend sometimes on what you're trying to achieve. I'm going to start with a half teaspoon twice a day, once in the morning and another at night. For brain and memory I saw doses as high as two teaspoons three times a day with the last being taken before bed to enhance sleep (which definitely helps the brain). I plan to start slow. I'm more into prevention of memory issues at this point so doubt I'll go to the higher doses.<br /></p><div><p><b>More reading if you're interested. Much more depth than I provided above:</b></p>Effect of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. on learning behavior and memory enhancement activity in rodents: <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19610035/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19610035/</a><p></p><p><a href="https://supplementsinreview.com/nootropic/convolvulus-pluricalis-nootropic/">https://supplementsinreview.com/nootropic/convolvulus-pluricalis-nootropic/</a><b> </b><br /><br /><a href="https://learn.1balance.com/post/benefits-of-shankhpushpi/">https://learn.1balance.com/post/benefits-of-shankhpushpi/</a></p><p>Comparative nootropic effect of evolvulus alsinoides and convolvulus pluricaulis: <a href="https://ijpbs.net/abstract.php?article=NTk2">https://ijpbs.net/abstract.php?article=NTk2</a> </p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/shankhpushpi-benefits-uses-dosage-formulations-and-side-effects">https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/shankhpushpi-benefits-uses-dosage-formulations-and-side-effects</a></p><p><a href="https://lifeseasons.com/shankhpushpi">https://lifeseasons.com/shankhpushpi</a></p><p><a href="https://rootbabes.com/shankhpushpi-benefits/">https://rootbabes.com/shankhpushpi-benefits/</a></p><p><a href="https://harmonyveda.com/2020/01/09/know-shankhpushpi-benefits/">https://harmonyveda.com/2020/01/09/know-shankhpushpi-benefits/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/top-10-wonder-benefits-of-shankhpushpi-convolvulus-pluricaulis/11551/">https://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/top-10-wonder-benefits-of-shankhpushpi-convolvulus-pluricaulis/11551/</a><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-16839799589615940302020-12-27T07:10:00.001-05:002021-02-24T05:56:53.357-05:00A short one on two new things I'm doing for sleep...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7DNmFFdNSO16JGTNP83jQ8Mz4h3xMQEqEZl1lR9z2XtZzinTQgU95SmY9VeohEET1HGuJFEv0F0vmPTdu40D1cqqB2SuTvbey4yCxwTtb-oBD8PnNi9wAktcv66Itnn_ORG9y7QQFesc/s1920/feet-bed-sleep.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1920" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7DNmFFdNSO16JGTNP83jQ8Mz4h3xMQEqEZl1lR9z2XtZzinTQgU95SmY9VeohEET1HGuJFEv0F0vmPTdu40D1cqqB2SuTvbey4yCxwTtb-oBD8PnNi9wAktcv66Itnn_ORG9y7QQFesc/w200-h143/feet-bed-sleep.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have a full-blown on-going blog about sleep on the sidebar if you'd like more on sleep hacks, tips, things to try. These are my two latest additions and thus far both seem to be helping. <p></p><p>Addition #1 - Ashwagandha </p><p>I make a cup of herbal tea at night. I do it about 3 hours or so before I go to sleep to mitigate the mid-night or 2a.m. bathroom trip. Kinda silly to go through all these hoops for good quality sleep and have it interrupted by a full bladder, right? :-) <br /><br />I mix my own teas and the one I drink at night is one blended for my specific needs so I won't bore you with the ingredients. However, one thing I do that you may want to try is adding turmeric and ginger. I use ginger and turmeric root, readily available at most grocery stores, and pop thin slices in the tea. I'm working on a turmeric blog will try to remember to pop back on here and link when I get finished. I also add my nightly Calm (magnesium) to the cup (leg cramps, brain, pooping...it's not the only magnesium I take, each type has different benefits...guess I need to do a magnesium blog?). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEheI3btqUfyJ6sXVr2IwItYB1W93B2K7GHFycpi0tS0qPujv4lWGDTFy8EAzHKOZSKmEkUzwqrjjQzFM03vjcGQpy8cOcf3Amd8XdSYGwypJvCpRnDYH3FARuAGdJYc66PgV-dkhWWWO0/s1920/ginger-tea.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEheI3btqUfyJ6sXVr2IwItYB1W93B2K7GHFycpi0tS0qPujv4lWGDTFy8EAzHKOZSKmEkUzwqrjjQzFM03vjcGQpy8cOcf3Amd8XdSYGwypJvCpRnDYH3FARuAGdJYc66PgV-dkhWWWO0/w200-h180/ginger-tea.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The NEW addition is ashwaghanda root. <p></p><p>I was out and about on-line doing some research and came across the tidbit that it helped with sleep. I use the powder in my smoothies and it is also in a few of the brain supplements I take but it's probably all out of my system by the time I go to bed. Guessing on that one. Could be that just giving it a boost at night is what does the trick.</p><p>I started experimenting with it, adding it for a few nights running to my tea bag, missed it off and on. I noticed that my deep sleep improved when I added it to my night tea. I'm still tracking to see if it holds true but so far it's a winner. I work more on my deep sleep than I do on length of sleep. Dave Asprey has a lot on deep sleep, need to get back over and read some more of his "stuff". </p><p>Addition #2 - Quinine (in Tonic Water) </p><p>I recently had my veins done (hereditary issue, thanks mom :-)). I asked the vascular surgeon about the leg cramps I suffer through fairly often. He said that while he couldn't, as a doctor, tell me to do it many of his patients swore by tonic water. </p><p>The magnesium I take doesn't seem to do much for my particular type of leg cramps...then again, maybe they'd be horrific if I didn't take it every night! I don't plan to find out. <br /></p><p>So...I went out and did some reading and then went on a hunt for some tonic water that I'd drink at the local grocery stores. Bleh. They all had sugars, sucrolose, a variety of additions that I would never put in my body. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYvZRhe4U_w3QDzXmnrgNSRYcTzCKwHGm6yfl43LB3faas0qok9r-V6sI81Ko_tUwpqvpFTu_ZNaZcTrjxYg9gCC1cgk4eDMAgDbe76DjVCF9Y0v04nVUWpFarGiwVw-V1_5Baru9p-Vf/s1920/cinchona-quinine.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Quinine, Cinchoa, Countess Powder..." border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYvZRhe4U_w3QDzXmnrgNSRYcTzCKwHGm6yfl43LB3faas0qok9r-V6sI81Ko_tUwpqvpFTu_ZNaZcTrjxYg9gCC1cgk4eDMAgDbe76DjVCF9Y0v04nVUWpFarGiwVw-V1_5Baru9p-Vf/w320-h240/cinchona-quinine.jpg" title="Quinine, Cinchoa, Countess Powder..." width="320" /></a>I finally found one at my local Kroger. Their Diet Tonic Water doesn't have a sweetener in it. I bought a 99 cent bottle to see if it helped. </p><p>Wow. I haven't had leg cramps since I started drinking it. I have no idea if it's a placebo effect -- don't believe it is as I've "believed" in other things that supposedly worked on leg cramps that didn't for yours truly. I do think that everyone's body is different and maybe this is the thing that works on my particular type of leg cramp but maybe not yours. It's a cheap thing to try and if it works I will expect a hug if we ever meet. </p><p>I use it in the tea mix I mentioned in Addition #1 to cool my tea. I leave space in the top of the tea cup and add it. I'll also put a little in my daily drink mix off and on but not consistently. </p><p><i>Note: I gather that quinine is also known as cinchoa or Countess powder. Guess who's off to do some research? Could be that I can just buy some of the powder and use it, or maybe the root for my tea. It's very bitter so maybe I'll just stick to the tonic water. </i><br /></p><p>Have you tried either of these? Doing something I've missed? Experimenting? Figured out ways to improve your deep sleep? Check out my blog on the sidebar and let me know if I should add anything to my list. Thanks! </p><p>Hope you have a healthy, restful, 2021.</p><p></p><p><i><b>Side tip re: Calm</b> --- I buy it on Amazon, have it on their Subscribe and Save program. I was at Costco recently and they had a much larger container (20 oz vs 16 oz) for a dollar more than Amazon's smaller container. I grabbed one. I just popped over to Amazon and noticed they've dropped the price for the 16 oz container by $2. Ha. Keep an eye on it if it's something you use as there may be more price changes!</i><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-42452608024361448142020-11-05T06:42:00.004-05:002021-01-02T15:51:29.574-05:00Toxic Mold<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4NxTk7jfBF74mA7-zjYeKdy_p7qQW6wWR_sKneLosiSAB6cTh-QtzuktMnyS2BAaBTf5T6Bmu8zkvIhA-oS40YkX82lZnrvTQa5-qxM5EXpLfZscq6eGK0zlsMhXQguPXZgJNbTxKghl/s2048/outside-tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4NxTk7jfBF74mA7-zjYeKdy_p7qQW6wWR_sKneLosiSAB6cTh-QtzuktMnyS2BAaBTf5T6Bmu8zkvIhA-oS40YkX82lZnrvTQa5-qxM5EXpLfZscq6eGK0zlsMhXQguPXZgJNbTxKghl/s320/outside-tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The studio about 3 years ago, prior to <br />enclosing the porch.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Finding out first-hand about mold. A short time ago I noticed a bit of mold on the ceiling of my studio. I've had the studio for 17 years and never had an issue. At first I thought it might be coming from the exterior as I hadn't cleaned the gutters on that side of the building. So...I sprayed the ceiling mold with some bleach containing cleaner that said it would kill mold and cleared off the gutters.<p></p><p>The next day, more mold in another area. The third day I started finding it everywhere. Behind pictures on the wall. On the wood shelving. I kind of internally panicked. I'm not one to get overly, openly panicky. But in two weeks, weekend after next, I have a studio tour. Advertised for six months. First show since the pandemic. Two other artists planning to be with me, also advertised. Yikes.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhtWkBfb98LkpEkBZjn4iAJZy-AqQbnexmTmExMEl5DCQiawTVq6DJEkpwLhRwffLRXLAaJGb_5yoIfYBQfZlE7567CzoF4UlZxv27ZRV2-sl6UnDhYgnkT1IQt1L6lZLFkwDG3fwDegf/s750/right-side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhtWkBfb98LkpEkBZjn4iAJZy-AqQbnexmTmExMEl5DCQiawTVq6DJEkpwLhRwffLRXLAaJGb_5yoIfYBQfZlE7567CzoF4UlZxv27ZRV2-sl6UnDhYgnkT1IQt1L6lZLFkwDG3fwDegf/w320-h240/right-side.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studio "cleaned up" for the Studio Tour a<br /> few years ago.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I didn't quite realize what I was getting into when I decided to do a whirlwind "fix". I immediately ordered a dehumidifier. Then I called some mold mitigation companies. One of them very nicely walked me through everything. </p><p>He queried me about the environment. Nope, hadn't been running the air conditioner and no, didn't have a dehumidifier but had ordered one. He told me the type I needed and said if that wasn't what I ordered to not even bother opening the box. I cancelled delivery and ordered the one he recommended.<br /></p><p>He said I could probably handle everything myself IF it was pretty much surface due to dampness in the studio. No known leaks so maybe it is simply due to COVID, not using the studio and air conditioner as I didn't have any shows, spent more time in my garage "studio" painting.<br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7tChMsQwU-bR8jn7USt71rvM2_1ngYRohKfJRJacTSfbjvRHFnO7wPku1Dp2OklUDJvckvmQ3o7zVl4fOogKX8grmtTqJlIfOldiglZHuRGd3j1pyCOJJsvKtmklX-JdictxNHfGGcwn/s300/kiln-area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7tChMsQwU-bR8jn7USt71rvM2_1ngYRohKfJRJacTSfbjvRHFnO7wPku1Dp2OklUDJvckvmQ3o7zVl4fOogKX8grmtTqJlIfOldiglZHuRGd3j1pyCOJJsvKtmklX-JdictxNHfGGcwn/w200-h150/kiln-area.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooooo clean! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I ordered a storage pod (just under $300 for a month...the transport of it being the biggest chunk of that). My friend heard about my situation and brought over an industrial dehumidifier for me to use until mine arrived. </p><p>I turned on the air conditioner. It ran for a few hours then quit. Oh joy. Another expense. At least it's winter and I can postpone that one until next year. Although, they're probably cheaper right now. Adding that to the list to check into ASAP. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB-klFQgoEZ6ZXBJ_ZAzGgKxRBgTRRRWdFhwjbDfdZMju_Me9pCvb1eLELJyS3GPnb-FgHhxJdahyKzZo37-xfytZ3sFMhRSBjNrlagHn1dkUtkmuTbQx47CxHvuwrzeakr8hMLKsd81Y/s1600/IMG_20201102_182630044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB-klFQgoEZ6ZXBJ_ZAzGgKxRBgTRRRWdFhwjbDfdZMju_Me9pCvb1eLELJyS3GPnb-FgHhxJdahyKzZo37-xfytZ3sFMhRSBjNrlagHn1dkUtkmuTbQx47CxHvuwrzeakr8hMLKsd81Y/w240-h320/IMG_20201102_182630044.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few days into <br />cleaning the mold.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I started taking art off the walls. It's weird. One piece will have mold on it, the next won't. Same materials. The mitigation guy said just toss everything in the Pod, not to worry about cleaning it off until time to put things back. I totally disagree with him on that one...putting mold into that closed in, dark container means it will grow and ruin even more things. </p><p>I told him it was a studio --- I'm sure he pictured some cute little painters studio like one might see in a photo. Ha. I paint, I do ceramics, I do mosaics, I do mixed media, I have done and have all the stuff to do stained glass...and I never say no to anything that I think I might be able to use in any of those endeavors. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjJxf65WRs0dL3maAnXFiSSrTRiTtXm2QLyf9OwCPWS0sG8UiCRqhM19logSPcWWVumbWU_jeSRqnGWly3WSXWZVUE8eL6-szJngB1ni60SZKB7DmebD1__0jGxqCy8R0lmLzJdTmA4jC/s1600/IMG_20201102_182650953_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjJxf65WRs0dL3maAnXFiSSrTRiTtXm2QLyf9OwCPWS0sG8UiCRqhM19logSPcWWVumbWU_jeSRqnGWly3WSXWZVUE8eL6-szJngB1ni60SZKB7DmebD1__0jGxqCy8R0lmLzJdTmA4jC/w240-h320/IMG_20201102_182650953_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hadn't done much aside<br /> from take down art from<br /> the wall when I took<br /> this pic.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Picture wall-to-wall shelves filled with glass, tile, paints, broken jewelry, ceramic art in the works, bowls...oh, never mind. There is NO way you can picture it as I didn't even realize what I had accumulated until I decided I could empty the studio and clean everything as I took it out... I had the idea that I would devote three days to cleaning and moving everything, then have my son come decontaminate it and then leisurely move things back within another 3-day time-frame. I planned to leave a chunk of things in the Pod, move just enough to be able to have visitors to the studio. </p><p>Where's the laugh sound track when I need it???</p><p>I'm six days in and still haven't emptied the studio. I have, however, filled up two truck loads and taken them to the dump. I have teared up numerous times as I tossed something into the truck that had memories and meaning. I have tossed some of my own art that I will never replicate. I have thrown out well over a thousand dollars in tools (wood), art books & magazines and I haven't gotten to the shelving that is going to need to be thrown away and replaced.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfB8WahUy7wBfLnCenbPMP4KFHmUKChF55eve-jSJuMGozRtZrLN_C6hNqxAE18rG8J_wUsma2f0T-2Ym-xczwxxxLacc_u2IamjOOxc3lSAbKy3GtG2ktAmXGEa8BmBfBMn9F3VXBzWq/s4032/IMG_20201104_154153865_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfB8WahUy7wBfLnCenbPMP4KFHmUKChF55eve-jSJuMGozRtZrLN_C6hNqxAE18rG8J_wUsma2f0T-2Ym-xczwxxxLacc_u2IamjOOxc3lSAbKy3GtG2ktAmXGEa8BmBfBMn9F3VXBzWq/s320/IMG_20201104_154153865_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every day I take things out into the sun,<br /> spray, then cart them back inside --- <br />I don't want to put them in <br />the storage pod if I can see mold.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When my son comes out it may be that he finds mold in the attic. I had the roof replaced. He thinks it's possible the old roof had a leak and that the new roof sealed in the moisture. If he is correct, and I hope he isn't, then I'll need to pull out the ceiling and quite possibly tear out the walls and replace everything. Luckily he can do a lot of the work --- but he has a family that needs him around so I don't want him exposed to mold and I don't want him to spend too much time away from them. They bought a house and he's completely re-doing the interior. The last thing he needs is another project! Especially given he's busting butt trying to keep his business viable during COVID. ]</p><p>My health is another issue. I'm healthy but mold can change that quickly. I've upped a few of my supplements, am drinking more fluids and I'm wearing a mask. But I can see the mold spores flying sometimes when I pull out a piece of material or open a drawer. Which is another weird thing about mold --- I have a lot of those plastic drawer sets. I will open one with broken tiles or glass for mosaics and will see mold. I'll open the one above or below and zip, nada, no visible mold. I'm spraying everything with mold killer no matter whether I see it or not. AND I have a couple of containers with bleach and mold killer where I'm tossing smaller things to soak.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25pqFzTMDUKGEvC-QvYvw6sNzS7l0ozsnTEPv_c25JUneDQShkqCGWrCs0oOtyk2Sgc1boBsSd3vaELSEbwAGUm1CU7uIlfAlxj9XJ6-rX8XLT8M7D5KOPLcYLxrL7vfqU1p_1F73VTYa/s4032/IMG_20201104_154210269_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25pqFzTMDUKGEvC-QvYvw6sNzS7l0ozsnTEPv_c25JUneDQShkqCGWrCs0oOtyk2Sgc1boBsSd3vaELSEbwAGUm1CU7uIlfAlxj9XJ6-rX8XLT8M7D5KOPLcYLxrL7vfqU1p_1F73VTYa/s320/IMG_20201104_154210269_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>What a crazy mess. I keep thinking "if only I'd run the air conditioner", "if only I'd gotten a dehumidifier", "if only I'd run the kiln like I normally do"... Ah well, my time machine is broken and I'm stuck in this time-line. I'm generally not one to dwell on what I coulda-shoulda except to make sure it's seared into my brain not to repeat a negative...but it's kinda hard NOT to think those thoughts when spending hours and hours sorting, cleaning, tossing, and lamenting losses. </p><p>Oh, almost forgot --- had the studio professionally pressure washed and the gutters cleaned a couple of days ago. No mold on the outside. I'll be doing that regularly now. Lesson learned. Many lessons from this fiasco! <br /></p><p>I'll keep you posted. Right now I'm heading out to walk with a friend --- going to fill my lungs with clean air and my brain with clear, positive thoughts! <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-40003279662775568972020-10-18T14:01:00.006-04:002020-12-27T09:41:14.212-05:008th Annual Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour Live and On-line<div class="separator"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY7bnxyPvHONJtDCIOI4yPn84LqNOr5rUK6OcnykU568lZKbz1-0zD7DKaH9HxIh_yWAlaivxRy6Ra35gjGsC-EduVEpvhx-VftpSHh9JEKjQJUQWnnV671CC382TL3yr1OoLV_XjluuG/w200-h200/mike-sluder.jpg" /></a></div><p><i>Artists open their studios to the public the 2nd weekend in November!</i></p><p>Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour, a free self-guided tour of artist studios, similar to a tour-of-homes or gardens, will be held Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th this year. Several artists are also open Friday, November 13th. Art students and art-lovers of all ages are invited to come be inspired and learn a bit more about the wide variety of art talent in their community. <br /><br />Tour artists are located in Fayette and Coweta counties and in Chatt Hills, South Fulton. The variety of art covers the spectrum to include painting, bronze sculpting, fused glass, weaving, ceramics, jewelry, woodturning, fabric art, photography, and mixed media. <br /><br />Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour (SHAST) is adapting to ensure art-lovers across the Metro Atlanta area can safely visit artist’s studios.</p><p>Chair Suzanne Kleese-Stamps shared, “Masks will be available to visitors and studio set ups will allow for easy social distancing.”<br /><br />She continued, “We’re also excited to add a new way for those who aren’t comfortable going to studios to enjoy and purchase art. We are launching a virtual tour that will start December 1st and be live through December 31st.”<br /><br />Visitors can find Tour Booklets at various locations around the South Metro area with times, a listing of artists, photos, events and a map or can visit the tour website, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">www.SHASTour.com</a>, for a printable tour booklet, map, events and other information on the live and virtual Tour.</p><p><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm57cDwJvwASK2X_jrG2kutdzZSDXFxrGJnUA-pqCeUKdXaNd12rK2djJVJGtqGi0GOcobjmnX8mPDUb9KC7qg4mL-1oiDV0RScKMCBLu2i7q2Ff1Vk5t2DuFkpBVgJSJ-7aRFFl1e0PvM/w200-h200/TCUPER.jpg" /></a>New artists join the Tour each year and 2020 is no exception! Internationally known sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo, bronze artist Mike Sluder, jeweler Andrea Winkler, fine artist Dianne Cutler, woodturner David Oehrke, charcoal artist Caitlin Collins, floral designer Dawn Hunt, and painter Heather Bergholt will be in their own studios or will be guest artists in other artist’s studios. Two emerging artists are participating this year, mixed media artist Katie Turner and photographer Mac Aughey. Returning artists include Cheryl Jashek, Austin Lindsey, Bill Turner, Sherry Cook, Seth Fitts, Janet McGregor Dunn, Suzanne Kleese-Stamps, Andrea Faye, Carla Cook-Smith, Jennifer Stott, Taryn Cuper, Denise Prince, Hanley Lewis, Gail Jensen, Helena Marette, Manasi Joshi, Cheryl Krebs and Charles Tryon.<br /><br />Participating artists demonstrate their techniques throughout the day. Check the website for a list of special demos such as raku firing, kiln openings, glaze demos and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to play with clay, do a bit of painting, make ornaments or try their hand at weaving and other art activities. Art is available for sale during the tour. Many of the artists offer classes or are available for private lessons.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sex28keMIM8-FmLZ-jdM5-hEiH7bBt-U8bqk-bXf5taN_Bc08xXCmBvbCw_YpJ7ETubx99qT5Ac99L_lTQWPTQrh3i5CsUtkhxCQ-buemg1aTYKDCl2zH-aEuU9NKDNFr5WI7zwhrb7f/s800/JMCGREGOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sex28keMIM8-FmLZ-jdM5-hEiH7bBt-U8bqk-bXf5taN_Bc08xXCmBvbCw_YpJ7ETubx99qT5Ac99L_lTQWPTQrh3i5CsUtkhxCQ-buemg1aTYKDCl2zH-aEuU9NKDNFr5WI7zwhrb7f/s320/JMCGREGOR.jpg" /></a></div>SHAST was started by local ceramic artist Andrea Boswell to educate those curious about the creative process and to inspire future artists. Her vision has expanded and each year the all-volunteer Board selects two art-related charities to support.<br /><br /> SHAST, a 501(3)c non-profit, is held the 2nd weekend in November. Attendance is free. Many make this an annual event bringing family and friends. Along with art, information and fun, guests enjoy a variety of refreshments at each studio.<br /><br />Each year local galleries and other businesses support SHAST through donations and sponsorships. This year Piedmont Insurance Associates, Inc., Stamps Store Fixtures, Chatt Hills Gallery, Paint Space, and Talk Time Speech and Language Services, LLC are a few of the generous supporters of the Tour<br /><br /> To learn more about SHAST call Andrea Boswell at 678-641-1247, email <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">info@shastour.com</a>, visit <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">www.SHASTour.com</a>, follow along on Twitter: @shastga, Facebook: artstudiotourga, Instagram: shastour_ga or sign up for SHAST Blasts on the website.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"></a> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-78213745178491692022020-03-15T07:27:00.000-04:002020-03-15T07:27:37.167-04:00Great article on Creatine...She sometimes talks (and writes) way over my head as I'm an artist, not a scientist or doctor, but I always understand enough without having to go get a medical degree... So, here's one of Dr. Rhonda Patrick's breakdowns of the latest and greatest on creatine.<br />
<br />
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine<br />
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that plays major roles in the
storage and release of cellular energy. It also participates in a wide
range of biological processes involved in improving pregnancy outcomes,
maintaining bone mineral density and muscle mass in the elderly,
improving neurological function, and aiding the immune system to fight
cancer. Creatine is perhaps best known for its widespread use as a
dietary supplement to enhance physical performance... <br />
<span data-react-class="TableOfContents" data-react-props="{"entries":[{"level":2,"text":"Creatine uptake, synthesis, storage, and supplementation","id":"creatine-uptake-synthesis-storage-and-supplementation","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine uptake","id":"creatine-uptake","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine synthesis","id":"creatine-synthesis","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine storage","id":"creatine-storage","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine supplementation","id":"creatine-supplementation","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and methyl metabolism","id":"creatine-and-methyl-metabolism","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and cellular energy production","id":"creatine-and-cellular-energy-production","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and physical performance","id":"creatine-and-physical-performance","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and age-related muscle loss","id":"creatine-and-age-related-muscle-loss","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and metabolic regulation","id":"creatine-and-metabolic-regulation","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and pregnancy","id":"creatine-and-pregnancy","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine and neuroprotection","id":"creatine-and-neuroprotection","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine and cognitive performance","id":"creatine-and-cognitive-performance","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine and depression","id":"creatine-and-depression","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine and neurodegenerative disease","id":"creatine-and-neurodegenerative-disease","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":3,"text":"Creatine as a therapy for traumatic brain injury","id":"creatine-as-a-therapy-for-traumatic-brain-injury","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Creatine safety profile","id":"creatine-safety-profile","toc_id":1839007520739576282},{"level":2,"text":"Conclusion","id":"conclusion","toc_id":1839007520739576282}],"title":"Creatine","position":"left"}"></span><br />
<div class="toc toc--left">
<ul class="left">
<li class="header header--expanded-true">Contents <a class="expander" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span>[Hide]</span></a></li>
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<li class="level-2"><span>1</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-uptake-synthesis-storage-and-supplementation">Creatine uptake, synthesis, storage, and supplementation</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>1.1</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-uptake">Creatine uptake</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>1.2</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-synthesis">Creatine synthesis</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>1.3</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-storage">Creatine storage</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>1.4</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-supplementation">Creatine supplementation</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>2</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-methyl-metabolism">Creatine and methyl metabolism</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>3</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-cellular-energy-production">Creatine and cellular energy production</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>4</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-physical-performance">Creatine and physical performance</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>5</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-age-related-muscle-loss">Creatine and age-related muscle loss</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>6</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-metabolic-regulation">Creatine and metabolic regulation</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>7</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-pregnancy">Creatine and pregnancy</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>8</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-neuroprotection">Creatine and neuroprotection</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>8.1</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-cognitive-performance">Creatine and cognitive performance</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>8.2</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-depression">Creatine and depression</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>8.3</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-and-neurodegenerative-disease">Creatine and neurodegenerative disease</a></li>
<li class="level-3"><span>8.4</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-as-a-therapy-for-traumatic-brain-injury">Creatine as a therapy for traumatic brain injury</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>9</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#creatine-safety-profile">Creatine safety profile</a></li>
<li class="level-2"><span>10</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#conclusion">Conclusion</a></li>
<div class="related">
<hr />
<li><span>•</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#related-episodes">Creatine episodes</a></li>
<li><span>•</span><a href="https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/creatine#related-news">Creatine news</a></li>
</div>
</div>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-17273620520291724682020-03-04T08:21:00.000-05:002020-03-04T08:21:58.133-05:00Cancellations due to Coronavirus and the Impact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWadtLAu9XCtO1Crt0czUEHBkobhw5rf8Dhf4fdqCx8rC7vhRiDmSma7SNq746kC-5txMYL67hHtxt2FpJKis5ngjjpdug3PPYak6FnPymLUUzpQ3UqjnVm67q0fbALB_iMlHNsYmYdvU/s1600/coronavirus-face-mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWadtLAu9XCtO1Crt0czUEHBkobhw5rf8Dhf4fdqCx8rC7vhRiDmSma7SNq746kC-5txMYL67hHtxt2FpJKis5ngjjpdug3PPYak6FnPymLUUzpQ3UqjnVm67q0fbALB_iMlHNsYmYdvU/s320/coronavirus-face-mask.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
Everyone is hearing about people stocking up, hoarding, canceling vacations and business trips. The media is constantly ratcheting up our heartbeats, adding to fears...and who knows yet whether this will just be another Y2K type scare or a real pandemic?<br />
<br />
We're watching the stock market on a downhill trajectory. Many of us have heard how this could impact drugs and supplements, electronics, other items we use regularly. The big guys are more than likely going to weather this one. They may take some hits but they will recover.<br />
<br />
It's the small guys who are going to be hurt the worst. They may not have viable back-ups for their suppliers. They are often on a shoe-string budget. They don't have the advertising dollars. They may not have a huge Internet presence.<br />
<br />
Have you thought about the small businesses that depend on trade shows? They are the lifeblood for untold numbers of companies across the globe. Many companies don't have storefronts, they sell mostly at trade shows. There is an entire workforce that makes their living working these shows in various capacities. Not to mention the hits the promoters and convention centers are going to take as they are forced to cancel or see dwindling visitors. We are going to be buying more and more on-line.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV6jqULFMp_G5_sYZyyPtw0TaTCMIbxl4su_-_5hwIqBOTjhsQhi2Um05OzRtO-VszQnry0ujMeChAQPBMzKOgRg9eoQvQp1lUPFBxU17Ex67pvv7SIuzQ0M5wu84o_McDqpRDxfNMzhyphenhyphen/s1600/vegetables-veggies-container.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV6jqULFMp_G5_sYZyyPtw0TaTCMIbxl4su_-_5hwIqBOTjhsQhi2Um05OzRtO-VszQnry0ujMeChAQPBMzKOgRg9eoQvQp1lUPFBxU17Ex67pvv7SIuzQ0M5wu84o_McDqpRDxfNMzhyphenhyphen/s320/vegetables-veggies-container.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish my results looked this good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Personally, I've decided to revive my garden. I am going to need some new <a href="http://www.ironwoodtools.com/" target="_blank">gardening tools</a>. I figure it's going to get harder to get fresh foods whether this is a real threat or not --- fear is going to choke the food industry, too. I have always preferred food I grew myself, may as well use this to spur my butt to get back to it! I traveled a lot in the past and it was hard to keep plants going. I've cut back on my shows...and now the Coronavirus is cutting back on the shows I can do...so, no excuses. Time to grow some maters! If it will ever stop raining...<br />
<br />
I wonder how this is going to impact concerts? The theater? Restaurants? Hotels? Small grocery stores? Small retail businesses? Realtors? --- the more we fear contagion the more we're going to stay home. I'm not letting it stop me but dang...go to any store and they are our of the useless face masks...the bleach, alcohol, peroxide shelves are emptying...cleaning supplies and germ killers are disappearing... Oh, and as I shopped yesterday at Wal-Mart the stockers were talking about their emptying shelves, how they were having to substitute products when doing the shopping for those coming for pick-up...canned goods are a hit currently!<br />
<br />
Here's just the first page of a quick search I did about trade shows canceling:<br />
<ol id="b_results">
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="8"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51439403">How trade shows have been hit hard by coronavirus - BBC News</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://<strong>www.bbc.co.uk</strong>/news/business-51439403</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
The show, which is <strong>due</strong> to take <strong>place 5-15 March</strong>,
is one of the most important events in the motor industry calendar, as
the platform for some of the world's most high-profile new car launches.</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="9"><a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/cp-plus-2020-trade-show-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-fears">CP+ 2020 Trade Show Canceled Due to Coronavirus Fears</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://<strong>www.pcmag.com</strong>/news/cp-plus-2020-<strong>trade</strong>-<strong>show</strong>...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
CP+ 2020 <strong>Trade Show Canceled Due to Coronavirus Fears</strong>. The <strong>Camera and Photo Imaging Show</strong> was set to take place in Yokohama, Japan from Feb. 27 and attracted nearly 70K visitors last year.</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="10"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/12/21127754/mwc-2020-canceled-coronavirus-trade-show-phone-mobile-world-congress-gsma-statement">MWC 2020 canceled over coronavirus health concerns - The Verge</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://<strong>www.theverge.com</strong>/2020/2/12/21127754/mwc...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG9b9QmkDfCBV7UCzBbjMI02B5PlRWQE8mkWafCs2iBRlQzCXn7JaT9iDXa8XMcW38r7o9PpBrUw2a1uH9NSV80kTeY52ehKWzuA3NoMsEwC09dC3GRjNC3GWOsE_6Pvw_G4E5BPtgIqn/s1600/trade-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG9b9QmkDfCBV7UCzBbjMI02B5PlRWQE8mkWafCs2iBRlQzCXn7JaT9iDXa8XMcW38r7o9PpBrUw2a1uH9NSV80kTeY52ehKWzuA3NoMsEwC09dC3GRjNC3GWOsE_6Pvw_G4E5BPtgIqn/s320/trade-show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="news_dt">Feb 12, 2020</span> · After <strong>coronavirus threatened</strong> to throw MWC into chaos, the GSM Association (GSMA), which organizes the <strong>show</strong>, has now <strong>canceled</strong> it. It comes after more than a week of exhibitors and companies pulling...</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="11"><a href="https://www.sportswear-international.com/news/stories/Trade-Shows-Further-trade-shows-cancelled-due-to-corona-15153">Trade Shows: Additional trade shows postponed due to corona</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://www.sportswear-international.com/news/stories/<strong>Trade</strong>-<strong>Shows</strong>-Further-<strong>trade</strong>-<strong>shows</strong>...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
The <strong>effects</strong> of the <strong>coronavirus</strong> are spreading further. Now also the <strong>Denimandjeans Tokyo show</strong>
(scheduled from March 4-5, 2020) has been postponed. Sandeep Agarwal,
the organizer of Denimandjeans, says: “ We have been studying the <strong>virus</strong>
situation for a few days and we felt that we could not take a chance on
the health of our exhibitors, visitors and our team as well.</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="12"><a href="https://www.newsshooter.com/2020/02/14/cp-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/">CP+ 2020 Cancelled due to Coronavirus - Newsshooter</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://www.newsshooter.com/2020/02/14/cp-2020-<strong>cancelled</strong>-<strong>due</strong>-<strong>to-coronavirus</strong></cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
CP+ 2020, one of the largest <strong>photography trade shows</strong> in the world has been <strong>canceled due</strong> to fears over the <strong>Coronavirus</strong>.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship which is currently docked in Yokohama
where CP+ was to be held has so far had 174 passengers diagnosed with
the <strong>COVID-19 virus</strong>.</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="13"><a href="https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/coronavirus-forces-cancellation-delay-of-trade-shows-conferences">Coronavirus forces cancellation, delay of trade shows ...</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/<strong>coronavirus</strong>-forces-<strong>cancel</strong>lation...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
OVER two dozen large <strong>trade fairs</strong> and industry conferences in Singapore, China and elsewhere have been postponed <strong>due</strong> to travel curbs and concerns about the spread of a <strong>coronavirus</strong>,
potentially disrupting billions of dollars worth of deals. Here is a
snapshot of some of the major events that have been scrapped, postponed
or scaled back.</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="14"><a href="https://www.kptv.com/news/portland-trade-show-canceled-over-coronavirus-concerns/article_28d3fde8-4889-11ea-bcd6-8bb625985644.html">Portland trade show canceled over coronavirus concerns ...</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://<strong>www.kptv.com</strong>/news/portland-<strong>trade</strong>-<strong>show</strong>-<strong>canceled</strong>-over-<strong>coronavirus</strong>-concerns/...</cite></div>
Organizers decided on Wednesday to <strong>cancel</strong> the <strong>show due to concerns surrounding</strong> the <strong>coronavirus</strong> and people traveling from China. The organizers say the <strong>coronavirus</strong> is already starting to <strong>impact</strong>...</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="15"><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Coronavirus-Major-tech-event-canceled-as-Bay-15051201.php">Coronavirus: Major tech event canceled as Bay Area ...</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/<strong>Coronavirus</strong>-Major-tech-event-<strong>canceled</strong>-as...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
<span class="news_dt">Feb 12, 2020</span> · <strong>Coronavirus</strong>: Major <strong>tech event canceled</strong> as Bay Area companies stay away A major <strong>annual conference and trade show</strong> in Barcelona, Spain, that draws some 100,000 participants from Silicon Valley and...</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="16"><a href="https://www.tsnn.com/news/what-event-organizers-need-know-about-coronavirus-and-canceling-contracts">What Event Organizers Need to Know About Coronavirus and ...</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://www.tsnn.com/news/what-event-organizers-need-know-about-<strong>coronavirus</strong>-and...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
They’re reaching out to her as a result of groups wanting to <strong>cancel</strong> events without penalties, <strong>due</strong> to the <strong>coronavirus</strong>. What Event Organizers Need to Know About <strong>Coronavirus</strong> and Canceling Contracts | TSNN <strong>Trade Show</strong> News</div>
</li>
<li class="b_algo" data-bm="17"><a href="https://tradeshowexecutive.com/archive/industry-news/coronavirus-postpones-trade-shows-and-events-china-global-exhibition-industry-prepares-impact/">Trade Show Executive :: Coronavirus Postpones Trade Shows ...</a><div class="b_caption">
<div class="b_attribution">
<cite>https://<strong>tradeshow</strong>executive.com/archive/industry...</cite><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Actions for this site" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cancellations+due+to+coronavirus+trade+shows&sc=1-44&sk=&cvid=F670AC4C6D644F2DB6B4AE6365B6454B#" role="button"><span class="c_tlbxTrg"><span class="c_tlbxTrgIcn sw_ddgn"></span><span class="c_tlbxH"></span></span></a></div>
BEIJING — A number of <strong>trade shows</strong> and B2B events in Shanghai, <strong>Macau and Guangzhou</strong> are being postponed <strong>due</strong> to the outbreak of novel <strong>coronavirus</strong> in China. Many <strong>postponements and cancelations</strong> are expected follow as officials around the world grapple with containing the rising number of people infected with the virus.</div>
</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-49618560428012767052020-03-02T11:36:00.003-05:002020-03-02T19:09:00.548-05:00Epsom Salt..love soaking in a tub with it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFzUWqlgVKP0y8bMqlL9dN26cbdVTTV-XTT3yzPPKr87GbFoXOW7NL92S70LufUAVcmGpiaK4Oagakie-YlLju7HJFtp_fJWF7ITGtxig0o4avBINc8jvHvA7epRkcAbEVdmJji1kaLcH/s1600/bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFzUWqlgVKP0y8bMqlL9dN26cbdVTTV-XTT3yzPPKr87GbFoXOW7NL92S70LufUAVcmGpiaK4Oagakie-YlLju7HJFtp_fJWF7ITGtxig0o4avBINc8jvHvA7epRkcAbEVdmJji1kaLcH/s320/bathtub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For as long as I can remember (adult remembering :-), I have loved soaking in a tub with added Epsom Salt. I used it quite a bit when I was running and doing a lot of weight work to ease my sore muscles. I still use it to relax, to help get rid of bruises, for ingrown toenails (once), and to help my sleep.<br />
<br />
I love that it doesn't dry out my skin. It leaves it feeling nice and soft after a bath.<br />
<br />
Many doctors, functional and traditional, suggest it for their patients to help with a number of health issues. I've compiled a list below of things that I came across while researching.<br />
<br />
I always learn so much when I start researching a topic! I will definitely be taking more nice, long, hot baths at night before bed in the future. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAfMXH6Syd9QOgMCgaHGOUvyKQfGME3_16GB4mlS1qwZ9ph_gaP3akpSLP1nWTHLP7JEKUUbh09ZOK8EgPvnmvTZseOMzuGWg5a-0QjKqwuaWQDOnrbA7uvLsKv8vtL2ik_UQkCv1KhY/s1600/doctor-stethescope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAfMXH6Syd9QOgMCgaHGOUvyKQfGME3_16GB4mlS1qwZ9ph_gaP3akpSLP1nWTHLP7JEKUUbh09ZOK8EgPvnmvTZseOMzuGWg5a-0QjKqwuaWQDOnrbA7uvLsKv8vtL2ik_UQkCv1KhY/s200/doctor-stethescope.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<i>Side note: Wondering why I'm focusing on Epsom Salts? A "traditional" doc ala one knows medicine but doesn't know nutrition or anything "natural", mocked, to a patient, a</i><i><i> previous </i>doctor's recommendation to take an Epsom Salt bath. First, what kind of doctor laughs at another doctor who trained the same way he did, plus extended their training to include more nutrition, more "whole-body" treatments? Second, why do that as a human being? I like the guy but that one really burned me... He missed the part where the doctor was pushing that same patient to have a scan to find out what was going on with her stomach, bowels, the hardness she felt when she did her exam... I'm betting he didn't check her stomach. Hmph. Not all doctors are alike. Some follow up, send emails to find out how their patients are doing, do extra research to find ways to help and think outside the box a bit within medical reason. OK, stopping my rant :-). But I do love my doctor...she is the first doctor I have ever had who listens, who asks questions, who goes above and beyond.</i><br />
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<br />
Like many other "home" remedies there isn't a lot of research. But what there is does support it as a reasonable, useful addition to our home health arsenal. Unless something has money-making potential dollars don't flow for studies. Epsom Salt is cheap. It is never going to make those who fund studies, primarily drug companies*, any money.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcC4Zbu27sMXMhPePWDyCXXOWzj9eDehCvS-WZ5SS7jWrlb8qQFjfLIwHRDS94EDPQSHTCA3bny9U4TBzNxREArNCnoOaB76H_R8c_MUEdhuwEhGtHF4lLPwv8yqY8GbAVLsedjqMiS8S/s1600/plumber-toilet-poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcC4Zbu27sMXMhPePWDyCXXOWzj9eDehCvS-WZ5SS7jWrlb8qQFjfLIwHRDS94EDPQSHTCA3bny9U4TBzNxREArNCnoOaB76H_R8c_MUEdhuwEhGtHF4lLPwv8yqY8GbAVLsedjqMiS8S/s320/plumber-toilet-poop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of us know we can drink the stuff and poop like crazy. It tastes horrible, but it works. Just don't overdo it. Bleh. Why would you when magnesium works just as well? Oh, wait, Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium...and sulfate. The full, correct, name is <i>magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. </i>Still, magnesium, especially in drinks like Calm, works just as well.<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
Ever wonder where the word "Epsom" came from? Epsom is a spring in Surrey, England where it originated from and was distilled from the water. In today's world, it is derived from mining.<br />
<br />
From Salt Works, <a href="https://seasalt.com/epsom-salt-uses-and-benefits">https://seasalt.com/epsom-salt-uses-and-benefits</a><br />
"Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin**, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the associated health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function, and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients,
flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of things Epsom Salts, known to be anti-inflammatory, may help with --- some possibly better if you take it rather than soak in it, but then why not just take magnesium?:<br />
<ul>
<li>Arthritis pain and swelling</li>
<li>
Bruises and sprains</li>
<li>Making insulin more productive </li>
<li>
Fibromyalgia</li>
<li> Ingrown toenails</li>
<li>
Insomnia
</li>
<li>
Psoriasis and other skin issues</li>
<li> Sore muscles </li>
<li>Athlete's foot </li>
<li>Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy</li>
<li>Flushing toxins (there is a lot of debate on this one in regards to detoxing via soaking in a tub)</li>
<li>
Sunburn pain and redness</li>
<li>Decreasing the oil in your hair (mix some with hair conditioner)</li>
<li>Blood pressure </li>
<li>Gout pain</li>
<li>Exfoliating your skin </li>
<li>Constipation (FDA approved as a laxative)</li>
<li>Tired, swollen feet</li>
<li>Reducing inflammation to help get out splinters (reducing inflammation is a good idea whether you have a splinter or not :-)) </li>
<li>Relieve pain from bug bites and bee stings</li>
<li>There is one study that indicates soaking can help someone lose weight...I'm a bit skeptical on this one as I would weigh 10 lbs by now as many baths as I've had over the years!</li>
<li>Fertilizing your yard</li>
<li>Bug spray (for your yard, getting rid of pests on your plants) </li>
<li>Combined with dish soap it's good for scrubbing counters and tiles</li>
</ul>
This site has a long list of things that Epsom Salt can do, too. Check it out: <a href="https://preparednessmama.com/25-uses-for-epsom-salts/">https://preparednessmama.com/25-uses-for-epsom-salts/</a><br />
<br />
Dr. Rosemary Waring, a British biochemist, Univerity of Birmingham, is a strong proponent of using Epsom Salts to help with autism and has a number of studies. Here are a few links that mention Waring as a source, the first two deal more with autism. I would suggest doing a search on Waring and autism if that is an area you are interested in pursuing.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.enzymestuff.com/epsomsalts.htm" target="_blank">http://www.enzymestuff.com/epsomsalts.htm</a></li>
<li><a href="https://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/2011/03/forgotten-research-sulphation-and.html">https://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/2011/03/forgotten-research-sulphation-and.html</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://blog.paleohacks.com/epsom-salt/#">https://blog.paleohacks.com/epsom-salt/#</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/epsom_salt_as_a_home_remedy">https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/epsom_salt_as_a_home_remedy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/11/28/sulfur-benefits.aspx">https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/11/28/sulfur-benefits.aspx</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
Too much is not a good thing so be sure to read the package labels. Watch out if you are also taking a magnesium supplement. It can make some medications harder to absorb so check with your doctor if you're taking antibiotics or other medications.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWLBkvbPy1KUDBeLMH-Xbp2K4sOhUtyEU1VzuVukX4_ezLD-H-ueR9QOoKli7ogJGmeex3HKifoaLbuk24sWKza0gCl1iq31AeH0GI_hXCSNiT6m0uEUy4zq6p3KwH1aXREmzy2tsa_fn/s1600/bathtub-soak-flowers-towel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWLBkvbPy1KUDBeLMH-Xbp2K4sOhUtyEU1VzuVukX4_ezLD-H-ueR9QOoKli7ogJGmeex3HKifoaLbuk24sWKza0gCl1iq31AeH0GI_hXCSNiT6m0uEUy4zq6p3KwH1aXREmzy2tsa_fn/s320/bathtub-soak-flowers-towel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Additions if you're using it in a bath:<br />
<ul>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Baking soda</li>
<li>Peroxide</li>
<li>Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, orange</li>
<li>Apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>Coconut oil</li>
<li>Fresh rosemary (good for your memory also)</li>
<li>Bentonite clay</li>
<li>Here's a recipe for an oatmeal, rose soak that sounds great: <a href="https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-oatmeal-bath-recipe/">https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-oatmeal-bath-recipe/</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>* I plan to do a blog on who funds studies at some point. I read that statement over and over in my research travels but haven't verified it myself.</i><br />
<i>** There is debate on how much if any is absorbed through the skin. There ARE studies showing it is absorbed...but there are skeptics, too. Well, actually, I found two articles that were skeptical and about a bazillion that promoted and said the salt was great. Figured in the interest of being fair that I should at least mention that some doubted. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath#1">https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath#1</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/">https://www.bobvila.com/articles/epsom-salts-in-the-garden/</a> <br />
<a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/epsom-salt/">https://draxe.com/nutrition/epsom-salt/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/">https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321627">https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321627</a> <br />
<a href="https://seasalt.com/epsom-salt-uses-and-benefits">https://seasalt.com/epsom-salt-uses-and-benefits</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-15757018943716362462020-03-02T09:00:00.000-05:002020-03-02T09:00:21.720-05:00Another one I found fascinating re: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia<br />
I usually post articles on the pages (links above), and will add this one...but I found it so interesting I decided to give it special stand-alone billing on my blog :-). I am constantly amazed at what they are learning about our brains and how they work.<br />
<br />
<b>Can PET Match Up Areas of Protein Deposit With Alzheimer’s Symptoms?</b><br />
Even though, overall, Alzheimer’s disease robs all people it afflicts of mind and memory, it progresses differently in different people. Its specific symptoms, their sequence, and how fast they worsen can vary quite a bit from one person to another. This used to be a tough nut to crack for researchers, but now, by combining data from multiple PET
tracers in longitudinal study cohorts, they are beginning to decipher which regional pathologies provoke particular disease manifestations.
The Human Amyloid Imaging conference, held January 15–17 in Miami,
showcased the latest findings tying tangles, or plaques, to particular
behavioral and cognitive impairments. Intriguingly, links between
pathology and subtle symptoms emerged even in people who were still
cognitively healthy. The data suggest that multitracer, and also
multimodal, brain imaging may eventually allow researchers to predict
how disease will progress in a given person...<br />
<a href="https://www.alzforum.org/news/conference-coverage/can-pet-match-areas-protein-deposit-alzheimers-symptoms">https://www.alzforum.org/news/conference-coverage/can-pet-match-areas-protein-deposit-alzheimers-symptoms</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-1200275196158895132020-03-01T20:57:00.000-05:002020-03-02T07:37:09.079-05:00Short Sleep Gene?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJPMLbNaHKLXVCIPObYy9ox8jbAS1_EIwoeqeguYLIMAO-NTjpzFO_mC0iyY9vCvbKVc3WBZFFEsYN7gkV6PWP-gwfsTqXVy5cLcFUeb60dsv6DZwUcmQ7ZMIkzJIJNv8JkWaqHPisD3O/s1600/bear.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJPMLbNaHKLXVCIPObYy9ox8jbAS1_EIwoeqeguYLIMAO-NTjpzFO_mC0iyY9vCvbKVc3WBZFFEsYN7gkV6PWP-gwfsTqXVy5cLcFUeb60dsv6DZwUcmQ7ZMIkzJIJNv8JkWaqHPisD3O/s320/bear.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>How I wish I slept...</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I came across this article while doing some research on sleep studies. It really struck me as I have a "short sleep" gene...and I pretty much miss the mark when it comes to hitting over 6 hours of sleep. I am going to now have to set up alerts so I can watch this one.<br />
<br />
I don't get tired. I am not sleepy during the daytime. I start getting tired around 9 or 9:30 p.m. and am generally out by 10 - 10:30. <br />
<br />
Do you have trouble getting over 6 hours of sleep? Are you tracking your sleep and finding that you don't get sufficient REM and/or deep sleep? Read the article and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
<b>Short Sleeper: Short Sleep Syndrome</b><br />
If you usually get less than seven hours of sleep, you are probably a
short sleeper. Many people are short sleepers due to lifestyle choices.
For example, juggling work, recreation, and family responsibilities may
not leave enough hours in the day to get the recommended amount of
sleep each night.<br />
But it’s not just the number of hours we spend asleep. It’s also the quality of your sleep that matters. Some people do not spend enough time in deep sleep. So, even if they get seven hours of sleep, it may not be good quality and restorative sleep they need.<br />
If you are a short sleeper or do not get enough deep sleep, you might feel tired the next day and lack energy, which can affect your day to day activities.<br />
<a href="https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/short-sleeper/">https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/short-sleeper/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Some of my previous blogs on sleep:</b></u><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/going-for-sleep-study-tips-for-getting.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/going-for-sleep-study-tips-for-getting.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/suffered-through-sleep-study.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/suffered-through-sleep-study.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/melatoninits-good-for-more-than-sleep.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/melatoninits-good-for-more-than-sleep.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/to-sleep-or-not-to-sleepthat-is-question.html">https://ramblingjan.blogspot.com/2020/02/to-sleep-or-not-to-sleepthat-is-question.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-37907711519388230032020-03-01T20:12:00.000-05:002020-03-02T19:09:39.161-05:00Alzheimer's drugs...more failures and a few promising trials starting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr_QffCTaz4E6GkxCNXdQ_T559olT8ApQPYhQsgpWdJke-iS0D-ySOIh8M5aPz23BmZ2VmYvSTSxT94O3SWHFaLsC8ok9Ahj-dVy7sn4YdMriEzPQJwZWO6K-1j_4v6aX2S9vOJXO8i7H/s1600/brain-bandaid.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr_QffCTaz4E6GkxCNXdQ_T559olT8ApQPYhQsgpWdJke-iS0D-ySOIh8M5aPz23BmZ2VmYvSTSxT94O3SWHFaLsC8ok9Ahj-dVy7sn4YdMriEzPQJwZWO6K-1j_4v6aX2S9vOJXO8i7H/s320/brain-bandaid.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I've posted about the failure of mainstream Alzheimer's treatments before...I think the focus on amyloid plaques is mistaken. Yes, there seems to be some good reason to address the tangles and build up in the brain at some point. However, if you're not fixing the cause of the plaque attack then it's going to happen again and be potentially worse, possibly a rebound effect?<br />
<br />
Thus far the ONLY treatments that are working for the long-term are those that test for health issues, change diets, lifestyles, add targeted high-quality supplements to stop the root causes. Take a look at my page with recommended reading (link above) and you'll see a number of books focused on functional healing and reversal of Alzheimer's Disease and other related brain issues.<br />
<br />
Here's a few of the latest on drugs in testing and some getting ready to start:<br />
<b><br />EXCELLENT article...</b><br />
<b>As another Alzheimer's treatment fails, experts are divided on where to next</b><br />
Before I have a chance to ask dementia researcher Amy Brodtmann about
the failure of yet another Alzheimer's treatment, she wants to make one
thing clear.<br />
"Whenever these drugs fail, you can't underestimate how devastating it is."<br />
After
three decades of research and billions of dollars of investment, news
that another Alzheimer's drug treatment has failed means an effective
treatment for the common degenerative disease is still out of reach...<br />
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-02-26/alzheimers-drug-failure-raises-questions-about-research/11996258">https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-02-26/alzheimers-drug-failure-raises-questions-about-research/11996258</a><br />
<br />
<i>My comments: At first, I thought, wow, great...although I much prefer to figure out the root causes, address those and keep it from happening...but for those looking for a magic pill the first part of the article seemed positive, as does the end...but the one sentence I pulled below shows the problems with treatments that don't address WHY...</i><br />
<b>A new treatment for Alzheimer’s</b><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Their research has shown that, in small
doses, the metal lithium is capable of reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms and
could prevent the emergence of Alzheimer’s in people with a genetic
predisposition to the disease. ...</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">...</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet the treatment cannot remedy the
symptoms of Alzheimer’s once severe cognitive decline has set in; it is
only effective in low doses over sustained periods before dementia
symptoms appear...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.mcgilltribune.com/sci-tech/a-new-treatment-for-alzheimers-250220/">http://www.mcgilltribune.com/sci-tech/a-new-treatment-for-alzheimers-250220/</a></span></span><br />
<b><br />ProMIS Neurosciences Initiates Natural History Study of Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease</b><span class="article-body" itemprop="articleBody"> </span><br />
<span class="article-body" itemprop="articleBody">TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE,
Mass., Feb. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.
(TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), with Toronto Memory Program, Canada’s largest
and most experienced memory clinic and site for drug treatment trials
in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has initiated a pilot longitudinal study to
assess the level of blood-based biomarkers in early AD with the support
of Parexel, one of the world’s leading global clinical research
organizations (CROs). ProMIS will leverage Parexel’s significant data
management and central nervous system (CNS) expertise for the study,
which it will use as the historical control arm for its anticipated
Phase 1 study of PMN310, a novel antibody that selectively targets the
toxic oligomeric species of amyloid beta, a root cause of AD. The
dataset will help ProMIS detect a treatment signal as early as Phase 1,
potentially allowing for rapid proof-of-concept at a fraction of the
expense associated with traditional clinical trials. The dataset will be
made available as a communal resource for Alzheimer’s researchers...</span><br />
<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/02/26/1990787/0/en/ProMIS-Neurosciences-Initiates-Natural-History-Study-of-Blood-Based-Biomarkers-in-Alzheimer-s-Disease.html"><span class="article-body" itemprop="articleBody">https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/02/26/1990787/0/en/ProMIS-Neurosciences-Initiates-Natural-History-Study-of-Blood-Based-Biomarkers-in-Alzheimer-s-Disease.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;"></span>
<b>UPDATE 1-Roche drug fails in early-onset Alzheimer's disease study</b><br />
<i>* Study fails in inherited form of Alzheimer’s </i><br />
<i>* Roche says 2 additional trials to continue </i><br />
<i>* 100s of Alzheimer’s drug trials have flopped (Adds details throughout, comment from Roche) </i><br />
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/roche-alzheimers/update-1-roche-drug-fails-in-early-onset-alzheimers-disease-study-idUSL8N2AA0QG">https://www.reuters.com/article/roche-alzheimers/update-1-roche-drug-fails-in-early-onset-alzheimers-disease-study-idUSL8N2AA0QG</a><br />
<br />
<b>Drugs fail to slow decline in inherited Alzheimer's disease</b><br />
<i>Two experimental drugs have failed to prevent or slow mental decline in a study of people who are virtually destined to develop Alzheimer's disease at a relatively young age because of rare gene flaws</i><br />
<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/drugs-fail-slow-decline-inherited-alzheimers-disease-68881708">https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/drugs-fail-slow-decline-inherited-alzheimers-disease-68881708</a> <br />
...The study tested solanezumab by Eli Lilly & Co., and gantenerumab by Swiss drugmaker Roche and its U.S. subsidiary, Genentech. Both drugs gave disappointing results in some earlier studies, but the doses in this one ranged up to four to five times higher and researchers had hoped that would prove more effective...<br />
<br />
<b>Israeli startup hopes to battle Alzheimer’s with enzyme-busting drug </b><br />
<i>After testing in lab, ProteKt Therapeutics says compound that inhibits the PKR enzyme can lead to cognitive improvements and slow the disease’s progress; road ahead is long</i><br />
...Nisemblat is aware that the way ahead is long and precarious and
because there is no clear, single cause of Alzheimer’s disease there is
also “no single target” to aim at in trying to beat the illness.<br />
“The traditional treatments are not beneficial,” he said. The
industry has been seeking new ways to slow down the illness’s
progression and halt patents’ deterioration...<br />
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-hopes-to-battle-alzheimers-with-enzyme-busting-drug/">https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-hopes-to-battle-alzheimers-with-enzyme-busting-drug/ </a><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-7019739037702282442020-03-01T07:32:00.001-05:002020-03-01T07:32:27.275-05:00Adding Michael Pollan to my reading, listening list...I have Google Alerts set up on a number of topics, some fun, most serious and related to health (mine or someone in my family). I remember seeing Michael Pollan's name in some of the articles I've read but have not taken the time to listen or find out more. He has been around for quite some time.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNZf6_iYJzRJodXzPK1jcCES1Br0GhmuMIpwEs5RRfeeu7h_pX0zOphDvi3nuTsA9cCZmXTaLkQhEuSCbYp2kfgbbCFKw3YdesmRKZ36ax4amtzEe4IuhlCh2HrxLX_GDudbRW-lrsYN9/s1600/rules.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1600" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNZf6_iYJzRJodXzPK1jcCES1Br0GhmuMIpwEs5RRfeeu7h_pX0zOphDvi3nuTsA9cCZmXTaLkQhEuSCbYp2kfgbbCFKw3YdesmRKZ36ax4amtzEe4IuhlCh2HrxLX_GDudbRW-lrsYN9/s320/rules.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Based on some quick reading this morning, Pollan speaks common sense. I love his <a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20090323/7-rules-for-eating#1" target="_blank">7 Rules for Eating</a>. I agree with so much that was attributed to him in the article.<br />
<br />
We are obsessed with health in the United States. Yet we have some of the worst eating habits and the worst rates of diseases. It seems everyone is on a diet. I prefer not to think of what I do as a diet --- that is a brain thing as to me a "diet" is negative in my mind, it is something temporary with a specific goal of losing weight for the majority. Sometimes it's a change in reaction to a health scare (heart attack, etc.).<br />
<br />
I also think everyone has to find their own way, find a way of eating <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7QyxJPoE1PzFEl_jdJGzlxRGgDitzDTJOgYmkd4z25s3kj8bxCIQlYJIuDTlZO26jp6zmwKXsev-Ng3mEoItGDz-kAXlUPmVb4dBgF-aNMAMO2YftgtsMmayHa7MTha_7BbRg6NDnuzY/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7QyxJPoE1PzFEl_jdJGzlxRGgDitzDTJOgYmkd4z25s3kj8bxCIQlYJIuDTlZO26jp6zmwKXsev-Ng3mEoItGDz-kAXlUPmVb4dBgF-aNMAMO2YftgtsMmayHa7MTha_7BbRg6NDnuzY/s320/salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I eat a certain way, I tweak it as I learn more, as I pay attention to my body...but what I'm trying to do is follow Pollan's #1 rule --- I don't eat anything that my grandmother (in my case, my great-grandmother) wouldn't recognize as food. As part of that, I basically try to eat like most did before manufacturers started messing up our food by processing it, spraying our foods with tons of chemicals and pesticides, modifying our foods so they wouldn't die when sprayed with pesticides, filling our cattle with hormones and antibiotics, feeding fish, chickens, and cattle with "foods" they were not intended to eat...I could go on.<br />
<br />
We wonder why we are so ill? Why younger people are in the midst of a diabetic epidemic? Why ADD is happening with more and more frequency? Why Alzheimer's Disease and dementias are rising...and to younger and younger ages? Why our population is so obese? It's more than one thing, it's not just food. But food plays a huge part in it!<br />
<br />
OK, stepping down from that soapbox! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YJnVpsoJ_z8eIAoYlHJh29o2fP_eCmHccyOW5XyAqx18BOCir3cm38-QXfFt2uPKaoBg_tisjRhgACjqdaaCtJaqWyh4YUmUvPvm2ev0UtI8LUh5XdZRaU_QifghhY29rYlh3a09cPhk/s1600/grapes-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YJnVpsoJ_z8eIAoYlHJh29o2fP_eCmHccyOW5XyAqx18BOCir3cm38-QXfFt2uPKaoBg_tisjRhgACjqdaaCtJaqWyh4YUmUvPvm2ev0UtI8LUh5XdZRaU_QifghhY29rYlh3a09cPhk/s320/grapes-hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I like his 2nd "rule" --- don't eat anything with more than 5 ingredients or ingredients you can't pronounce. And his 3rd --- stay out of the middle of the grocery store, shop the perimeter... and definitely his 4th --- don't eat anything that won't eventually rot!<br />
<br />
On the 4th I do bend it a bit. Only because in a tiny, tiny way I am a mini-prepper. I want to have enough food to eat if we lose electricity for a few weeks (which happened to us a few years back during a winter snowstorm). I like frozen foods much, much better than canned or freeze-dried, but if you don't have a freezer ya gotta have somethin' to eat.<br />
<br />
The rest of his rules are good also. 5 - don't eat so much, leave the table a little hungry, 6 - eat around the table with family, not the TV and 7 - don't buy food where you buy gas (or I gather if you read the rest, at fast food joints).<br />
<br />
Of course, I paraphrased his rules. I would add a few others --- eat organic whenever possible (but especially the Dirty Dozen) and go Non-GMO to avoid all the extra pesticides if you can't find organic.<br />
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He is correct when he notes that our food "rules" have changed over the years. One day something is bad, the next it is good. Villains change to heroes overnight. We find that studies promoting certain lifestyles were done by the food industries that would benefit. We find that studies done that changed our way of eating were flawed. New science decides that salt isn't all bad, that cholesterol isn't the bad-guy they thought it was, that it's good to eat fats...and so on. <br />
<br />
I'm going to check a few of his books out of the library. I'll let you know what I think. I may just go see if he is on YouTube first. I'll add some links below if I find anything interesting or new.<br />
<br />
Ha --- just took a look at the videos and it seems that in addition to talking diet and food Pollan talks a lot about psychedelics. (Here's a first-pass search result: <a href="https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=michael+pollan&qpvt=Michael+Pollan&FORM=VDRE">https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=michael+pollan&qpvt=Michael+Pollan&FORM=VDRE</a>)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20090323/7-rules-for-eating#1">https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20090323/7-rules-for-eating#1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pollan">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pollan</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-160384183640092872020-02-29T20:16:00.001-05:002020-03-01T13:31:33.407-05:00GERD, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Oh My! Oh No!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OsFydktl3WEndi2_Pz98WwdEwPwN0iff44WRa33miaSia_0owyqNLlk_O9Oo5A9x9ai09IK51tG2SqoKTI7ZXUCSYfVvAztnhBcw2wIBRq2JpZlWmrIR8BQqbPjZcf_3WxX9T9wwSuub/s1600/matches-burning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OsFydktl3WEndi2_Pz98WwdEwPwN0iff44WRa33miaSia_0owyqNLlk_O9Oo5A9x9ai09IK51tG2SqoKTI7ZXUCSYfVvAztnhBcw2wIBRq2JpZlWmrIR8BQqbPjZcf_3WxX9T9wwSuub/s320/matches-burning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Many years back I started having heartburn after almost every meal. I chewed antacids, had bottles scattered around the house, in the car and never packed a suitcase without some. I talked with my doctor and she sent me to a specialist.<br />
<br />
They knocked me out, looked down my throat, esophagus and checked everything out. I was given a prescription for Prilosec and told that I would be on it the rest of my life. If I left my acid reflux unchecked it could lead to cancer. When I asked about alternatives I was told that I could have an operation to fix the weak valve that wasn't keeping all the acid where it belonged.<br />
<br />
That was it. And yes, that's a very over-simplified version of the diagnosis and treatment. <br />
<br />
I took the prescription-strength Prilosec. Then my insurance stopped covering it and switched me to another type of proton pump inhibitors...which didn't work. Then they switched me to another. Then Prilosec became their drug of choice and I was back on it again... All of them basically stopped my stomach from producing acid. Therefore, none could travel upwards as it didn't exist.<br />
<br />
I was so happy not to be staring at cancer and to be able to eat and sleep without heartburn, a sore throat, and other related agonies that I didn't delve into how the drugs worked and what the long-term impact to my health could be. That was not like yours truly!<br />
<br />
At some point, the "what are you doing to yourself taking this drug?" part of my brain woke up! I started doing some research. Around that same time, I was losing weight. I wasn't obese, but I was moving on up and had passed the line between feel good about yourself and hide what you can with baggy clothes. <br />
<br />
I didn't intend to lose weight...the loss happened when I changed my way of eating...which will be another blog or two or ten another day.<br />
<br />
Common sense says that your digestive is designed perfectly and that the acid in your stomach has a purpose. As I learned how drugs like Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors worked I figured out that, like many drugs on the market, it worked in one area but really screwed up other areas. It was more of a pick your poison. Or maybe more of a feel good now, pay later drug.<br />
<br />
I'll link to side effects and how they work at the end of this post. Most of you probably already know!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4VOxwVNcLCr9VzDQ8n3uaBWdK9m4ze998AGfIBwa1IJqHTaDkqvG4AZD955Ub4obKt5_mapZKuSq7sVhFgXiBYTeqZwiBMXdwdVALml0la0SE-gZIZKSafipV8NCBM4DUmRobIWDxUlc/s1600/pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4VOxwVNcLCr9VzDQ8n3uaBWdK9m4ze998AGfIBwa1IJqHTaDkqvG4AZD955Ub4obKt5_mapZKuSq7sVhFgXiBYTeqZwiBMXdwdVALml0la0SE-gZIZKSafipV8NCBM4DUmRobIWDxUlc/s320/pasta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started looking into how to get off the drugs. I tried. I really tried. I downed apple cider vinegar, picked up some DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract), ate small meals, cut out foods that triggered heartburn in anyone on the planet, raised the head of my bed and tried all the things listed out in Google-Land.<br />
<br />
The problem with trying to get off acid reducers is that there is a rebound effect. You produce WAY more acid...you over-produce. It is painful, potential cancer looms in your mind, so back on the drugs you go... I did that yo-yo twice before breaking down and going to the doctor.<br />
<br />
He said, after looking at my chart, noting my great weight-loss and hearing about my dietary changes that "if anyone can get off the medication you can". Wow, what a great bit of encouragement. He didn't give me any great ideas on HOW to do it...mentioned some of the easy ones anyone can find on the Internet.<br />
<br />
I tried again. And finally succeeded. It wasn't easy.<br />
<br />
I have been off the drugs for years now.<br />
<br />
I continued to sleep with the head of my bed raised as a prevention method --- and subsequently learned that it's also good for your sleep and your brain! <br />
<br />
Recently, after all these years, I started having some minor issues again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHsds14PZ66ss5cOmrQ8dMHmlgF9q3kOMAosuyQh5pWoG_cJkCtz89SZMuno4G3B-8BfbycAEFXnvoOgvyZtaqv_TiIIxitTr4JQzEMO5l2lFGNCF2UaulyhyIQQpanOK9d53EDkd44rk/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1600" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHsds14PZ66ss5cOmrQ8dMHmlgF9q3kOMAosuyQh5pWoG_cJkCtz89SZMuno4G3B-8BfbycAEFXnvoOgvyZtaqv_TiIIxitTr4JQzEMO5l2lFGNCF2UaulyhyIQQpanOK9d53EDkd44rk/s320/stress.jpg" width="320" /></a>I think it's due to a number of factors, the main one being stress. I've had a lot of angst lately. And even though I usually roll easily it still impacts me. Family issues, the passing of a family member I love dearly, my Dad having surgery, the kids moving, my Mom going off the only known treatment to work for slowing her dementia, and on and on. Lots of little and big hits.<br />
<br />
Plus, I have moved to a timed window of eating --- which is good for my brain and not a bad thing --- but I stopped eating a number of small meals and have a tendency to eat two large meals. Not good if one has digestive issues. I am changing that one. I didn't even think of it in relation to my acid reflux until I started having issues again. When I stood back and looked at everything I realized the large meals, in combination with stress, could easily be part of the reason.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiWa_chNGuIMR2KF20JglG8BpiTpYuDBlKQzrLstN1H1PgjwTQM5p5ZHjXiRz5lnDdBm0Kf3SR14DeyY6fpoaqzySrn5JECI_TOaLT09f3oB0m10lYT0gHsz6qk54I7NS5OYE0WNTlluH/s1600/aloe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiWa_chNGuIMR2KF20JglG8BpiTpYuDBlKQzrLstN1H1PgjwTQM5p5ZHjXiRz5lnDdBm0Kf3SR14DeyY6fpoaqzySrn5JECI_TOaLT09f3oB0m10lYT0gHsz6qk54I7NS5OYE0WNTlluH/s320/aloe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I'm cutting my meals in half. I'm drinking two tablespoons of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in a little water about 20 minutes before a meal. Sometimes I do it afterward. I am taking Betaine HCI + Pepsin prior to eating any meal that I think might be heartburn inducing. I am drinking aloe juice. I already add ginger root into my smoothies so I'm good on that one.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am being aggressive. <br />
<br />
All of those things seem to be working. We'll see. I'll keep you posted. <br />
<br />
Have you ever dealt with acid reflux? Tried getting off proton pump inhibitors? Have any great heartburn fighters? Love to get your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://kresserinstitute.com/dangers-proton-pump-inhibitors/">https://kresserinstitute.com/dangers-proton-pump-inhibitors/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/side-effects/">https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/side-effects/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/proton-pump_inhibitors/article.htm">https://www.medicinenet.com/proton-pump_inhibitors/article.htm</a><br />
<a href="https://www.drugjustice.com/ppi-side-effects/">https://www.drugjustice.com/ppi-side-effects/</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-42637329742556941552020-02-27T18:50:00.000-05:002020-02-27T18:50:11.362-05:00Scary...Blue Cross Plans Say Alzheimer’s Has Tripled Among Adults Ages 30 To 64 This is some scary news! Especially since they're only looking at commercially insured Americans. Imagine what the numbers probably look like across the board... Yikes.<br />
<br /><b>Blue Cross Plans Say Alzheimer’s Has Tripled Among Adults Ages 30 To 64 </b><br />
Early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease jumped 200% among
commercially insured Americans between the ages of 30 and 64 over a
recent five-year period, a new analysis of Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurer claims shows...<br />
<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2020/02/27/blue-cross-alzheimers-has-tripled-among-adults-as-young-as-30/#2fcafd374d28">https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2020/02/27/blue-cross-alzheimers-has-tripled-among-adults-as-young-as-30/#2fcafd374d28</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-64625014010704707582020-02-27T10:15:00.004-05:002020-03-02T19:10:16.190-05:00Alzheimer's Survivors...Post by Dr. Dale Bredesen today: "We support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association to eliminate AD.
However, we strongly disagree with their assertion "there is still no
treatment that slows progression of the disease, let alone stops or
reverses it." An estimated 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. A new case is diagnosed every 65 seconds. Isn't it time to publicly
acknowledge that real progress has been made—and published
repeatedly—using a precision medicine approach?" (The article he refers to is posted at the end of this post)<br />
<br />
Under his post on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/drdalebredesen/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/drdalebredesen/</a>), there are loads of comments from people doing the Protocol, reversing AD, going back to work, going back to doing what they loved and had lost.<br />
<br />
Someone under the post said they talked to the CEO of AA during a walk and he claimed that he had never heard of Dr. Bredesen. Really? I wonder if he is aware of APOE4.info? All the docs who have and are training in the Protocol? Bredesen is not the only one who is having success with similar programs. <br />
<br />
Sadly, there is no money behind non-drug treatment studies (the majority of dollars for studies comes from pharmacy companies...) so it's just word of mouth.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9emqkfFZYopesKvWg2TNToza8TjajRL58o23m0trSwDvDGdAttKwDoF7hrdwO1zZGW4x1vtVKFc-uJ-8Ep82nTJx7stylXHrdipujyhJUIaxTvXxm4x48Taa2JqlogYU_jqzDV50j8ZBZ/s1600/Survivor-Stories-350-x-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="350" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9emqkfFZYopesKvWg2TNToza8TjajRL58o23m0trSwDvDGdAttKwDoF7hrdwO1zZGW4x1vtVKFc-uJ-8Ep82nTJx7stylXHrdipujyhJUIaxTvXxm4x48Taa2JqlogYU_jqzDV50j8ZBZ/s320/Survivor-Stories-350-x-178.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here are two good sites with testimonials, info, how to get started helping you or your loved ones on the path to preventing and reversing AD.<br />
<br />
It's a tough protocol for some...but if it works it's a lot easier than being a statistic, having to watch the memory of your loved ones deteriorate, having to bath them, having to worry about nursing homes...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://alzsurvivor.com/">https://alzsurvivor.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.apoe4.info/">https://www.apoe4.info/</a><br />
<br />
I have a ton of links above under the header if you're looking for practitioners, more info, etc.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------</div>
<b><br />After 40 years, the Alzheimer’s Association sees signs of progress against a devastating disease. Is it real?</b><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/24/after-40-years-the-alzheimers-association-sees-signs-of-progress-against-a-devastating-disease-is-it-real/">https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/24/after-40-years-the-alzheimers-association-sees-signs-of-progress-against-a-devastating-disease-is-it-real/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-47548822816092883632020-02-26T19:27:00.001-05:002020-02-26T19:27:40.258-05:00Going for a sleep study? Tips for getting the best answers to your sleep issues...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAWrJCfBGgpGgZs7tcMKmaIOqjK1VORBHfEfDrnM4cWNN5o1B4B7MtV2gt_neK1peL-gw0zYNZWG1gwo2CEoi3_NQmYVJONhDxC9kGrDj4NvMotnHJvxV5umNmF-4j4Vqhyb1RgJ6owl6/s1600/holding-pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAWrJCfBGgpGgZs7tcMKmaIOqjK1VORBHfEfDrnM4cWNN5o1B4B7MtV2gt_neK1peL-gw0zYNZWG1gwo2CEoi3_NQmYVJONhDxC9kGrDj4NvMotnHJvxV5umNmF-4j4Vqhyb1RgJ6owl6/s320/holding-pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I recently had a sleep study (or if you'd like to get technical Polysomnography). It was horrible. I learned a lot. I've done a lot of research since I fired the so-called sleep specialist. Here are some things I've gleaned that may help you. I'll be popping back to this one, correcting any errors, adding info as I come across it. I will pop a new date on the title if I update the post.<br />
<ul>
<li>You will probably get a referral from your primary doctor. Do your own research. If the doctor doesn't have good reviews, isn't a good fit, ask for a different referral. Better yet, get an open referral so you can choose your own doctor. </li>
<li>Before you go for your initial visit have in mind exactly which issues you have issues with such as:</li>
<ul>
<li>waking up frequently</li>
<li>lack of deep and/or REM sleep (if you're able to track)</li>
<li>feeling tired during the day, when you wake up, in the afternoon, etc.</li>
<li>Do you doze off when watching TV? as a passenger in a car? at meetings? when reading?</li>
<li>WRITE IT DOWN so you won't forget</li>
<li>Tell the doctor what your goals are and be sure to discuss your expectations. </li>
<li>If you've been keeping a sleep diary (always a good idea if you're having issues), bring it. </li>
</ul>
<li>See if a home sleep study will work. If they say it depends on your insurance know they are hoping you'll do it at their office. Some insurances won't cover anything other than a home study. Home studies can't give as much data as one on-location --- however, if you're not going to sleep away from home you may want to push for a home study. </li>
<li>If you do your study at their location, ask to see the sleep room. Make sure:</li>
<ul>
<li>it is dark, blackout curtains, no lights in the room</li>
<li>the head of the bed raises if you're used to sleeping in that manner</li>
<li>the walls aren't so thin that you can hear doors closing, people in the next room.</li>
<li>it has a private bathroom (nothing like having to walk down a brightly lit hallway in the middle of the night...fluorescent or other bright lights that tell your brain "wake up"...)</li>
<ul>
<li>if you are going straight to work from the sleep study having a shower in the bathroom may be important to you </li>
</ul>
<li>the room has temperature controls (optimum sleep temps are anywhere from 60 - 67 degrees depending on which expert is giving the advice, but you may sleep better in warmer or colder temps) </li>
</ul>
<li>Special needs children and smaller children can have a parent in the room. The rest of us sleep alone.</li>
<li>Prep for the study (here's a great little video with <a href="https://youtu.be/6OjvRoYOcaM">https://youtu.be/6OjvRoYOcaM</a>):</li>
<ul>
<li>Eat dinner if you normally eat.</li>
<li>Don't drink any caffeine for 8 plus hours before the sleep study.</li>
<li>Don't
drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke any weed or take any
mind-altering drugs (kind of laughing at that one...imagine your brain
wave patterns if you popped certain pills...)</li>
<li>No naps the day of the study no matter how tired you may get!</li>
<li>Some places ask you not to polish your nails or wear fake nails. They put a finger monitor on one finger...for me it was the pointer on my left hand. </li>
<li>Wash your hair before your sleep study so the leads will stick.
Don't put a lot of product on your hair as that kind of defeats the
purpose...</li>
<li>Don't put on any lotion or anything that can interfere with the pads sticking to your skin</li>
<li>Wear
loose clothing so they can get to the top of your chest, your back and the bottom of your legs. You will not be asked to get undressed.</li>
</ul>
<li>You will typically arrive between 8 and 10 p.m. and leave at 6 a.m. or after for a total of around 9 hours. They hope for 7 hours of sleep time so they can adequately assess your sleep. </li>
<li>You can bring your own pillow, blanket (weighted or your fave blankie), sound machine, books, tablet, snacks, toothbrush and toothpaste (you may want to brush your teeth before you leave) and pretty much anything within reason that will help you sleep. Some have fans in the rooms --- if you sleep with one ask if they have it, if not bring your own.</li>
<li>Bring your medications. Let them know which ones you take. </li>
<li>Wear comfortable clothes to sleep in or bring your sleep clothes. You may want to bring slippers or wear socks for walking around on public floors.</li>
<li>When you get there you'll fill out more paperwork, then head to the sleep room. The tech will wire you up...nothing hurts but they do stick gunk in your hair so the leads will attach. </li>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcCKb5_pmq2o-RJJR2NDkxl9Tmcno1ljz6NSMCKB8KMzpZJZ6NWm_Glu0pUGNmDV1jEHkqKxdNOcLZFZql0i6F5Avtmm0w4DC5FsSBDwDvFUNvaJtzxNI5i-5w6iLar8ri0wQBcvoZOmx/s1600/bed-pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcCKb5_pmq2o-RJJR2NDkxl9Tmcno1ljz6NSMCKB8KMzpZJZ6NWm_Glu0pUGNmDV1jEHkqKxdNOcLZFZql0i6F5Avtmm0w4DC5FsSBDwDvFUNvaJtzxNI5i-5w6iLar8ri0wQBcvoZOmx/s320/bed-pillows.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>While you will have a lot of wires hanging off your body they won't hamper movement so don't worry about tossing and turning.</li>
<li>If you have a reputable, good, clinic they will measure where they place the electrodes to ensure they get the best data. If they slap 'em on anywhere on your head raise an eyebrow and expect to get a CPAP recommendation...</li>
<li>An oxygen monitor will be placed on a finger</li>
<li>A plastic nasal tube monitors your breathing</li>
<li>They monitor</li>
<ul>
<li>Brain activity</li>
<li>Eye movements</li>
<li>Heart rate</li>
<li>Blood pressure</li>
<li>Amount of oxygen in your blood</li>
<li>the amount of air moving through your nose when you breathe</li>
<li>Snoring</li>
<li>Chest movements, breathing</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>The room will have a camera so the tech can watch you at times and there will be a microphone so you can contact them. Yes, they'll hear you snore... :-). Some places, most I gather, video-tape you.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<u><span style="color: red;"><b>Red Flags</b></span></u></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPRQxC-7nXouQKKMzpmcMJKRUtpqylDePlaY-Z5Gm96GAvni7BT8HXQaZZpSPfwFR96AP9r8Vo0jtKglfpQvEyNu_SZaHy-873aNNPm1lQ5P95NIAX8aJu-E-fo-d_8lH-DDRoGYILjXj/s1600/red-flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPRQxC-7nXouQKKMzpmcMJKRUtpqylDePlaY-Z5Gm96GAvni7BT8HXQaZZpSPfwFR96AP9r8Vo0jtKglfpQvEyNu_SZaHy-873aNNPm1lQ5P95NIAX8aJu-E-fo-d_8lH-DDRoGYILjXj/s320/red-flag.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>A Physicians Assistant does your assessment and you never see the doctor. That's not necessarily an issue but it seems that talking with the doctor on your initial appointment is a reasonable expectation. (On a number of sites they said to expect to meet with the doctor...) </li>
<li>They start talking C-Pap before the sleep study expect that they have pre-determined your diagnosis.</li>
<ul>
<li>If you mention other option possibilities, such as Inspire, or other sleep aids and they keep talking C-Pap you may want to try another sleep doc. That's not to say C-Pap isn't a good option for some...but if that's their agenda then they may have blinders on, or worse, get a kick-back from or own a C-Pap company :-). I have NO earthly idea if that's possible, but given my recent experience, it had me wondering...</li>
</ul>
<li>The doctor or PA has a set agenda, doesn't listen, dismisses your concerns and/or questions. You may want to say thank you but no thank you.</li>
<li>If you know more about a good sleep environment than the sleep doc... (For instance, when I walked into the sleep room the wall was a full-length window with blinds. Outside the window there were parking lot lights that kept the room bright all night and hit my eyes. The tech said she'd been asking for over a year to get black-out curtains, everyone complained...and then said it was a good thing it wasn't a garbage pickup night as it was right outside my window and always startled her...) </li>
<li>They don't give you a sheet explaining what to expect during or as you leave your initial appointment</li>
<li>Bad reviews</li>
<ul>
<li>Even good reviews can be misleading. The doctor I went to for my sleep study had great reviews, even impressive reviews. However, after the sleep study, I went back and took a second look. All of the reviews were from people who saw him in his pulmonary practice. I did not find any reviews on the sleep center portion of his practice. So, lack of pertinent reviews may also be a "tell". </li>
</ul>
<li>If their sleep rooms are not conducive for promoting a good night of sleep. I listed things to look for above under "Ask to see the sleep room".</li>
<li>If they have wonky sleep-study times, like arrive at 9 and leave at 5 in the morning and you normally sleep until 8 you may want to have someone drop you off and pick you up. Or find a place where their hours better fit your normal sleep schedule if possible. If they tell you all they need is 2 hours of good sleep to do an assessment know you are probably going to get a C-Pap recommendation from them...</li>
<li>I'm not 100% sure about the requirements for sleep techs but mine had a musical degree and was "trained" to do the job after she was hired. I did not delve into requirements while there and given she'd been doing it for over a year I opted to let it slide (after all, she just stuck some leads on my head and unplugged me). I pegged it in my mind to do a bit of checking after the study. I would "guess" that certification probably varies from state-to-state. Here's a link to requirements from one school: https://study.com/articles/Become_a_Sleep_Technologist_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html. Per their site <i>"To become a sleep technologist, you'll need an associate's degree in polysomnography technology. Also, certification is required and you
should be detail oriented and able to communicate with patients." </i> </li>
<ul>
<li>I just found this: Sleep technologists, also known as polysomnographic technologists, are the ones keeping you company during your sleep study, monitoring all of your vital signs while you sleep. They will have one or more of the following certifications: Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT), Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), and Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS).<span> <a href="https://www.tuck.com/sleep-clinics/">https://www.tuck.com/sleep-clinics/</a></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-71356910733697843232020-02-26T11:17:00.004-05:002020-12-27T20:33:05.437-05:00Updated 3/1/20 - What is working when it comes to fighting Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias?Pretty much the only things currently having any kind of an impact long-term on the fight against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other forms of dementia all come from the functional side of the medical world.<br />
<br />
That's not to say that when caught early the traditional treatments don't always fail. Sometimes, when combined with increased physical exercise, dietary changes and maybe some supplements, early intervention works and continues to work. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv6wv5etfm-J4PvWed6WqSdS_hM9mjRrfCcYKBQUynyyAKyzPNeX90b3_NEKWaSqi6q8GBQxXhMgISkIO876s_GQsNLRkEpffQBQnrHmF9BsZ3Rj5LYjHk9vzPNa7g5gX9N4OjFZ1uI_c/s1600/dementia-puzzle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv6wv5etfm-J4PvWed6WqSdS_hM9mjRrfCcYKBQUynyyAKyzPNeX90b3_NEKWaSqi6q8GBQxXhMgISkIO876s_GQsNLRkEpffQBQnrHmF9BsZ3Rj5LYjHk9vzPNa7g5gX9N4OjFZ1uI_c/s320/dementia-puzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sadly, most people don't talk to their doctors about failing memory until they are past the point of current traditional, mainstream medical treatments working to keep AD at bay. I have personal experience with that silence. Those close to this individual kept everyone in the dark, although to be honest we kind of noticed some signs, just didn't pick up on them as we don't see them except in short doses for holidays. The Bredesen Protocol (see other posts, plus some of my pages linked below the header) could have worked for her but they are no longer following. Long story on that one. Sad, makes me so sad, wakes me up at night thinking about what they are facing.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Anywaze...onto brighter thoughts. Oh, wait, no...the next part deals with the current status of treatments for dementias. Not good news. </b></u><br />
<br />
Quotes from a variety of articles on the current status of "traditional" treatments (click the quote to read the entire article):<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/deep-sleep-may-clear-the-brain-of-alzheimers-toxins-study-says" target="_blank"><i>Previous Alzheimer’s medications have targeted specific toxins that are abundantly present in diseased brains, such as the aforementioned beta amyloid. However, these drugs all failed once going into clinical trials, perhaps because they were only targeting one part of the problem.</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-02-26/alzheimers-drug-failure-raises-questions-about-research/11996258" target="_blank"><i>As drug trials fail to find an effective treatment for the most common form of dementia, could it be time to go back to the drawing board?</i></a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.wfuv.org/content/ny-project-would-map-genes-1-million-fight-alzheimers" target="_blank"><i>Current drugs only temporarily ease symptoms and do not alter the course of the disease.</i></a></li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers-disease/is-turmeric-good-for-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank">Because there are no effective disease-modifying treatments currently available for Alzheimer’s, drugs and other approaches — such as nutritional supplements, or nutraceuticals — designed to stop or slow disease progression have become a focus of ongoing research</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/dancing-can-help-prevent-dementia/" target="_blank">On the treatment front, we still do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, and we do not have a cure. The drugs that have been approved slow the progression of symptoms for a period of time, but then the disease takes over again. Someone with Alzheimer’s will die of it or with it.</a></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><i>Great article highlighting the general things we can do to help PREVENT dementia:</i></b><br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://bewell.stanford.edu/boosting-brain-health/">https://bewell.stanford.edu/boosting-brain-health/</a> </i><br />
<br />
I could have posted a thousand similar quotes. Almost every article has statements of hope about future treatments...but it's almost like they're tossing a tiny bone at the readers or maybe trying to give themselves hope. If you read my blogs, the comments I post on the pages (links above), you know I think they are barking up the wrong tree by focusing on amyloid plaques.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Now for some positive news!</b></u><br />
<br />
However, we DO have current treatments that are working and have been working. They don't involve drugs and are multi-pronged so there's no money for grants, aside from some small ones for small groups. Also, most doctors have a tendency to look down their noses at what falls under the "functional medicine" heading. Even if their patients ignore their traditional advice and drugs and opt to change their diets, lose weight, exercise, take supplements --- and improve, get better.<br />
<br />
I'm a prime example. I had high cholesterol. I balked at taking drugs. My doctor "allowed" me 2 months, which she "graciously" extended to three for me to try and decrease it with exercise and diet. I'll admit, I didn't do much research at the time, upped my exercise routine...and failed. She scared me sufficiently into starting to take the meds. She told me it was hereditary and I just had the gene, was stuck.<br />
<br />
A bit later I made some serious changes to my diet. I went gluten-free (before it was a "thing"), took sugar out of my diet and then eventually moved to a plant-based diet. I was vegetarian initially. My cholesterol numbers dropped, I got off the meds...and got off my acid reflux medicine (which another doc said I'd be on for the rest of my life or risk esophageal cancer...they do like to scare one!).<br />
<br />
If you're interested in HOPE as opposed to depressing news, a feeling of doom because you have a family history of dementia or Parkinson's, have been diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment), have found you have one or two APOE4 genes or have a family member dealing with Alzheimer's Disease take a look at the <a href="https://www.apoe4.info/wp/" target="_blank">APOE4.info forum</a> --- over 3,500 people who are focused on keeping dementia at bay. There are great success stories. There are many who are discovering the site and taking control of their health daily. You can also find some excellent Facebook groups.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTRcgoHtzFQdWSufcnE7aHBedOTJfsU_RPu3ilWhhsdVqC_8wUnQmGW6tQp1VRcdO85yMH0QC39JabbTjl3cmAV9uD3D5J1fVRWDfTzYuNbgI0WoRcl1UIwaSGXV5l7046fWG09qmYAOd/s1600/library.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTRcgoHtzFQdWSufcnE7aHBedOTJfsU_RPu3ilWhhsdVqC_8wUnQmGW6tQp1VRcdO85yMH0QC39JabbTjl3cmAV9uD3D5J1fVRWDfTzYuNbgI0WoRcl1UIwaSGXV5l7046fWG09qmYAOd/s320/library.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>NOTE: Many or most of the following docs see a role for traditional drugs and treatment, they just know that it's a much bigger picture. I agree. I think there is a place for drugs and applaud our great physicians who do a great job. I just think we have a personal responsibility to do our own research, do more than just pop a pill... </i><br />
<br />
Pick up or check out one or all of the following books:<br />
Dr. Dale Bredesen - An End to Alzheimer's <br />
David Perlmutter - Grain Brain <br />
Steven Gundry - The Plant Paradox <br />
Amy Myers - The Thyroid Connection <br />
Terry Wahls - The Wahls Protocol <br />
<br />
Or check into Zack Bush, Mark Hyman, Stephen Phinney, Jeff Volek, Valter Longo, Jason Fung,
Dave Asprey, Ivor Cummings, Sachi Panda, Rhonda Patrick, Peter Attia. (No particular order of preference and you'll like some, not like others!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-33913067671281555052020-02-26T07:01:00.000-05:002020-02-27T11:08:26.996-05:00Explaining Functional Medicine...This guest column says everything I might have said if I'd tried to write about the topic... The only thing I might quibble over is the title of the article as it's really not a totally new kind of medicine! <br />
<h1 class="headline" itemprop="headline">
A new kind of medicine</h1>
<div class="subscriber-preview">
The first time I heard the term Functional Medicine (FM) was soon after my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.</div>
<div class="subscriber-preview">
After
her diagnosis, she was prescribed medication and we were told the disease would continue to progress until her death. Since then, I have often wondered how different it might have been if years ago we would have had more detailed information about her health. Maybe FM could have
made a difference.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.northstarmonthly.com/opinion/a-new-kind-of-medicine/article_231dbc16-5803-11ea-8539-5bfc9aec428f.html">http://www.northstarmonthly.com/opinion/a-new-kind-of-medicine/article_231dbc16-5803-11ea-8539-5bfc9aec428f.html</a><a href="http://www.northstarmonthly.com/opinion/a-new-kind-of-medicine/article_231dbc16-5803-11ea-8539-5bfc9aec428f.html" target="_blank"> </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087446655641389657.post-64637808904564801222020-02-20T09:02:00.000-05:002020-02-20T09:02:09.944-05:00Suffered through a sleep study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2lp_5zgR2LjhP3L21jh7IzSHLY6Gp0njrS8GlgLfNnjv0KhC9JEzC_bISlR-2mryqkPTq-FVU9LFm8rK_waL1sPpDbxfLipiHkWM-kye6oGPHOj_XmxKwyRR-ayvj4icBX5-zF2tZx0V/s1600/torture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="977" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2lp_5zgR2LjhP3L21jh7IzSHLY6Gp0njrS8GlgLfNnjv0KhC9JEzC_bISlR-2mryqkPTq-FVU9LFm8rK_waL1sPpDbxfLipiHkWM-kye6oGPHOj_XmxKwyRR-ayvj4icBX5-zF2tZx0V/s200/torture.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
Around 12:45 this morning I told the sleep tech I didn't know if I would make it, might go home. I told her I felt like I was in a torture chamber. I was pleasant, was not bitchy, we were laughing...but I was serious.<br />
<br />
There were three sleep-study rooms. The walls were so thin I could hear the TV in the other room, I heard the lady in the other room snoring and coughing, I heard the doors open and close and could hear the tech on the intercom in the room next to me... Every time I would think I MIGHT fall asleep the coughing would start in the next room. My heart graph is going to be interesting --- I know my heart raced every time something caught me as I was trying to get to sleep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxK1vBOa0zEreR05hrF5csFtKWjBH2o5la3XsR691YynUekJlkFIucnAntydh1xEv6L9PnDT2aIsPqaiofSii6v_sjiC-Mz9nedWX6cUJbT1jSnNthg1Mp4Cya9bDQ4SFJwqdzVJzCIou/s1600/window-blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxK1vBOa0zEreR05hrF5csFtKWjBH2o5la3XsR691YynUekJlkFIucnAntydh1xEv6L9PnDT2aIsPqaiofSii6v_sjiC-Mz9nedWX6cUJbT1jSnNthg1Mp4Cya9bDQ4SFJwqdzVJzCIou/s320/window-blinds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The top half of the wall next to the bed was a window with blinds. No blackout curtains. A full array of parking lot lights shining through the sides and slats. The room was barely dim. I finally took my light coat and wrapped it around my head like a turban, covering my eyes. I tried pillows, the thin blanket...<br />
<br />
The lights in the room? Those great blue-light emitting bright-white curly bulbs and fluorescent in the ceiling. No way reading was going to help put me to sleep even though I brought my blue-blocking glasses. They are made for the computer, not for blocking around the edges of the lens.<br />
<br />
The bed was horrible. It didn't elevate at all. One of the sleep study ladies left in the middle of the night because she couldn't sleep --- her back was hurting too much. She had to sleep sitting up as they didn't have a way to raise the mattress. I grabbed four pillows and made a kinda-sorta chair back and slept semi-sitting up.<br />
<br />
The bathroom was down the hall. I heard everyone who went to the bathroom. To get to the bathroom I had to walk out into bright lights. Guess what that does to a brain? Wake up li'l brain, time to get up! <br />
<br />
It's hard enough to sleep in a strange place with things stuck to your body...but add all those factors and it is impossible.<br />
<br />
They had a TV in the room. Every sleep expert tells you to stay away from the TV if you're trying for quality sleep. Although --- the TV screen was slightly smaller than my laptop screen so binoculars were needed to see it. Not that I turned it on. I don't like watching TV. Period.<br />
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I showed up with comfy clothes, my pillow, my sound machine (truly thankful I brought it...not that it was louder than the coughing and opening/closing door noises), a book, my tablet, chargers, toothbrush and toothpaste for the morning, heartburn antacids (a last-minute toss in that I am glad I had given I couldn't sleep with the bed elevated), earbuds so I could listen to a binaural beat meditations (3 times before the night finally ended...), and I also brought a small cooler with water and my health smoothy.<br />
<br />
The only reason I knew to bring all of that was because I did some research on-line to see what was allowed. I certainly didn't get any info from this group. <br />
<br />
My Fitbit registered 47 minutes of sleep. Light sleep. I actually did get more sleep it's just that I confused my poor Fitbit with all the long times awake, getting up to go to the bathroom (when I'm awake the urge strikes...when I sleep well it doesn't). I managed to get the minimum required two hours of sleep. I think I might have gotten just over three hours.<br />
<br />
I am prepared to be disappointed in the results when I go for the follow-up doc appointment.<br />
<br />
I wanted to find out if my Fitbit was correct in showing that I didn't get but a minuscule amount of REM and deep sleep. I wanted someone who would help me increase those numbers.<br />
<br />
I mentioned in a previous blog that they seemed to be pushing C-Pap machines when I had my initial appointment. I suppose most people go in to determine whether they have sleep apnea, snoring issues, or other physical issues that lead to poor sleep.<br />
<br />
I use a snore app and know I don't snore much if any. I have yet to register on the app. I asked the sleep tech if I snored, she said no. Then she backtracked and said "well, I can't say"...'cause they're not allowed to say :-). <br />
<br />
I do wake up anywhere from 2 to 4 each night and often can't get back to sleep. My normal bedtime is around 10. Last night I was in the sleep-study bed all hooked up with the door closed by around 10:15 pm. However, I tossed, turned, put pillows over my head, adjusted the bed, played games on my phone, listened to meditations to no avail, propped up the head of the bed, and I read for a bit with my phone light and blue-blocker glasses until 12:45. Sigh.<br />
<br />
I finally forced myself to go to sleep.<br />
<br />
I doubt I'll find out anything about my deep and REM sleep. How could they begin to know how much I might get based on 3-3 1/2 hours or so of disrupted sleep?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXLTfJzGp70LhcduIlyy54A2hMj-RGwkLRvDKYV5Du9qy8jrhbyf1dm1sEfRKKJG-PskPeHNsU7OyOfomKHV4P69ujbMytBq07FCis8KEWqfPemz-S8neHO0isUqkjwUotntconueywnp/s1600/torture-chamber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXLTfJzGp70LhcduIlyy54A2hMj-RGwkLRvDKYV5Du9qy8jrhbyf1dm1sEfRKKJG-PskPeHNsU7OyOfomKHV4P69ujbMytBq07FCis8KEWqfPemz-S8neHO0isUqkjwUotntconueywnp/s320/torture-chamber.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a bed and a wall of blinds and you'll know what I thought <br />of the sleep study and environments :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The place is part of a pulmonary practice. They have great reviews. I did some research before going, I just didn't know enough to do the right kind of research. I "assumed" that finding out about deep and REM sleep would be one of the priorities.<br />
<br />
When they schedule your sleep around their schedule, end it at 5 a.m. whether you're ready to get up or not (I was already awake so it didn't bother me), when they don't know anything about great sleep environments, when they only need two hours of sleep to get results I don't think they are after anything other than selling those C-Paps!<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll let you know how it goes when I go for the follow-up,
get the results. I would really like to be proven wrong in thinking this was just a C-Pap pushing exercise...<br />
<br />
<i>Side note: This is my second sleep study. The other study was at least 15 years ago and it was great. Nothing at all like this experience. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0