Some of my facebook friends have been asking how I've lost over 70 pounds. Apparently it's been on a diet that doesn't work! So says the FDA/FTC anyway. Here's a link to the FDA article about HCG Diet Drops: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm281333.htm for those who are curious.
Over the past 7 months as I have systematically progressed through the HCG protocols, I have heard the opinions of others on HCG. These opinions range from complete belief in the process (usually from those who've researched it, followed the diet and greatly benefitted) to disdain, and from some, veiled jealousy. There were many who fell on the spectrum in between. And LOTS of people were curious.
I've even fielded many questions about Barry's heart attack. Was it caused by the HCG diet? NO! There is no way the diet drops the FDA calls of no use and fraudulent could have blocked an artery 100% at age 51. According to his doctors, that blockage (mostly due to genetics) began when he was about 10 years old. Homeopathic HCG drops do not even have enough hormone in them to trigger a pregnancy test, which detects HCG. We asked the doctors if rapid weight loss or a low carb diet could have done this. All of them have said no and that the weight loss may have saved his life. Even a 10 pound loss can make a huge difference in fighting (or surviving) heart disease.
By the way, when followed properly, the diet actually is not high protein, nor protein deficient, . It's just healthy portion sizes of proteins, lots of veggies and low fat for a limited period of time in the work phase (drops used 3x daily) of the diet. The next phase consists of no drops and a normal calorie level with the main restriction being no sugar or starchy carbs/veggies. Oils and good fats are welcome again. This phase was always followed by a period of new normal, healthy, balanced eating.
That said, I have never supported careless use of the product or taking the diet's restrictions lightly. It never was a diet for everyone! Any ketone-based diet (burning your own fat) has its dangers. Water intake is critical, as is a knowledge of your body and it's signals. In truth, any diet has its dangers. But so does obesity!
My friend Cheryl came up with a description of the HCG protocol that I really resonated with. She referred to it as dieting chemo. Something as powerful as chemo is not to be used lightly. It is used to dramatically reverse a life-threatening disease. Obesity is such a disease. For this reason, I always encourage people to check with their doctor, informing them before going on any diet.
It's true actually HCG was not the cause of my weight loss. I believe the low calorie diet along with the restriction from fats, carbs, gluten, casein and drinking lots of water were the actual means of weight loss. What the HCG did for me (I say this personally-not professionally) was to remove toxic fat from places it normally would not come from without the HCG. I also did not have the typical muscle wasting caused by low calorie diets taken on without HCG. In addition it allowed me to reshape my body, eliminating the belly fat that is a huge contributor to heart disease! I am actually about 15-20 pounds heavier than the last time I had these measurements and wore a size 8. The HCG did something good in me! So did the restrictive, more wholesome diet.
Before HCG I did not want to eat ANY vegetables. I craved starches and sweets almost uncontrollably. Veggies tasted like dirt and I had an aversion to even preparing them. I was 90 pounds overweight. This was after 5 years of natural health and nutrition training! Will power and knowledge wasn't enough to break my destructive food choices. Once I was a few days into my HCG protocol that restricted the foods I'd become addicted to, I found myself liking veggies again. So thanks FDA for your oversight for my health. I'm guessing this won't be the last time. I wonder if they'll outlaw my vegetable and fruit juicing next?
Friday, December 09, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Gluten Sensitivity or Intolerance Part 1
I just finished a webinar presented by Dr. Peter Osborne through Spectracell Labs. This blog will be the first of three parts. I have been familiar with gluten intolerance as it related to celiac disease but hadn't realized how pervasive it is and how likely it is that it is a root cause of so much inflammation and disease! If you have had trouble figuring out why you're so sick and tired, this might offer a clue. Sometime I'll write up my health journey if I haven't already but here's my notes from the seminar for now...
What does gluten sensitivity look like?
"One in three have some degree of gluten intolerance!" -- Dr. Kenneth Fine, laboratory director at Enterolab, (unpublished data via Dr. Osborne)
Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance not the same thing!
New research has recently been published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology—
Though traditionally Celiac disease and Gluten Allergy or Intolerance were once considered the same disease, there is now conclusive evidence that they are not the same thing after all. In fact, rather than gluten intolerance being a subset or symptom of Celiac disease, Celiac is now part of the subset of Gluten Intolerance. Celiac is only one disease resulting from a gluten allergy or intolerance. Of the many types of autoimmune disorders which exist, gluten intolerance can be linked to 190 of them as a possible cause.
It is important that doctors become aware that Celiac and Gluten Intolerance/Sensitivity are not the same thing. Typically doctors will test one type of gluten and look for one type of immune reaction. Unlike pregnancy, where you either are or aren't pregnant, your gluten sensitivity may fall on a spectrum rather than be positive or negative. Traditional serum blood tests for IGA antibodies or minute biopsies of random bits of a 22ft. intestinal tract are not enough to inform a doctor of your gluten sensitivity.
A recent double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology identified gluten intolerance as an existing condition separate and distinct from Celiac disease. Tissue, serum blood tests, and antibody tests come back negative for celiac but an intolerance exists.
Two new terms have been coined for this condition:
- "Non-celiac gluten sensitivity"--by Dr. Marsh, the physician who created diagnostic criteria for biopsy of celiac disease
- "Gluten Syndrome"--by Dr. Rodney Ford, a pediatric gastroenterologist and allergist
Unpublished data from Dr. Kenny Fine, who runs the Entero lab in Dallas, believes 1 in 3 people have some degree of gluten intolerance
Symptoms are on a sliding scale from gas and bloating to severe symptoms which may require hospitalization.
Classic symptoms celiac disease:
- Extreme weight loss
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- bloating
- vomiting
"In actuality symptoms can be and usually are systemic."Dr. Peter Osborne
According to Dr. Osborne, gluten is a known inducer of autoimmune disease! He says there are a host of different symptoms associated with the onset and development of these types of conditions.
If this is true how does one discover to what degree they are sensitive? Will a blood test or biopsy reveal gluten intolerance? Serum lab tests or biopsy cannot rule out gluten sensitivity only celiac disease.
Change of perspective needed
Rather than view it as a disease, Dr. Osborne recommends gluten sensitivity be thought of as a genetically determined predisposition. Several genetic patterns and markers have been identified. If one were to be tested for specific genetic markers it would give a much better picture of whether or not someone was gluten intolerant.
Why don't blood and allergy tests work?
One of the troubles with allergy testing is that typically allergists will only test for acute allergy. This is due to the necessity to avoid anaphylactic shock reactions because they can be life threatening. If an IGA antibody is not present they typically stop there and do not look deeper into gluten intolerance. Many with chronic inflammation and illness have intolerances or sensitivities which are a very different type of immune response, ones that may take days to appear in antibody testing. One or more of several other types of immune mediated factors may or may not be present in gluten intolerance. These antibodies may not be present but symptoms, damage and disease provoked by gluten intolerance can still occur.
One of the troubles with allergy testing is that typically allergists will only test for acute allergy. This is due to the necessity to avoid anaphylactic shock reactions because they can be life threatening. If an IGA antibody is not present they typically stop there and do not look deeper into gluten intolerance. Many with chronic inflammation and illness have intolerances or sensitivities which are a very different type of immune response, ones that may take days to appear in antibody testing. One or more of several other types of immune mediated factors may or may not be present in gluten intolerance. These antibodies may not be present but symptoms, damage and disease provoked by gluten intolerance can still occur.
What type of symptoms can gluten intolerance cause?
Symptoms can vary. Just as each person can react differently to a prescription drug so can each one react differently in the presence of gluten. Symptoms can include but are not limited to:
- bloating
- diarrhea,
- stomach pain
- body aches
- migraines
- fatigue.
- hypothyroidism
- fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- multiple food allergies/multiple chemical sensitivities
- rheumatoid arthritis
- celiac
- epilepsy
- neurological symptoms
- anemia
- osteoporosis
- psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and depression
- asthma
- cancer (lymphoma)
“So in a nutshell recent studies are showing that gluten sensitivity is much more common than previously thought. In fact, may be a separate entity altogether with different mechanisms than celiac disease. While there is no doubt that the condition exists the lack of definite criteria for a diagnosis is where people are falling short. So acceptance of gluten sensitivity as a valid condition has evolved.” --Dr. Peter Green, director of the celiac disease center at Columbia University
60-70% who seek help for celiac are actually gluten sensitive not positive for celiac --Dr. Alessio Fasano from the University of Maryland Celiac Research Center
Why is the focus on celiac?
During World War II Willem Dicke found children with wasting disease (diarrhea) and failure to thrive in his hospital went into spontaneous remission from celiac disease during because grain was not available. He published his findings in 1952. He was the first doctor to realize grain caused symptoms. Grains available in his region were wheat, barley, rye, and oats. All grain has the protein gluten but those grains were prevalent in his region so the majority of research has been on those grains, with less on research on oats.
If blood tests can't be conclusive, what can reveal Gluten Sensitivity?
Dr. Osborne urges people to think of gluten sensitivity not so much as a disease but as a state of genetics. Several genetic parameters and patterns have been identified to be factors in causing a reaction to gluten. Unfortunately genetic testing can be hugely expensive! If you are interested in genetic testing and would like to know which markers to look for for gluten sensitivity, contact me and I can send you the list. There are several. Some of these are specific to Celiac. Others have been isolated in those with non celiac gluten sensitivity. It is believed these genes get switched on, activating the neurological consequences of gluten intolerance which in turn causes degeneration into disease.
Dr. Osborne urges people to think of gluten sensitivity not so much as a disease but as a state of genetics. Several genetic parameters and patterns have been identified to be factors in causing a reaction to gluten. Unfortunately genetic testing can be hugely expensive! If you are interested in genetic testing and would like to know which markers to look for for gluten sensitivity, contact me and I can send you the list. There are several. Some of these are specific to Celiac. Others have been isolated in those with non celiac gluten sensitivity. It is believed these genes get switched on, activating the neurological consequences of gluten intolerance which in turn causes degeneration into disease.
Gluten Sensitivity is not a disease but it causes disease.
There have been about 190 different diseases that have been linked to gluten sensitivity. One such condition is Silent Celiac disease. This form of celiac disease does not display the typical gastric symptoms. Instead asthma, osteoporosis, anemia and neurological disorders are present. There may also be thyroid, gall bladder, and liver changes. The intestinal mucosa can become permeated and Leaky Gut syndrome can result. This allows toxins and bacteria to access a key area in the abdomen which affects immune system response.
There have been about 190 different diseases that have been linked to gluten sensitivity. One such condition is Silent Celiac disease. This form of celiac disease does not display the typical gastric symptoms. Instead asthma, osteoporosis, anemia and neurological disorders are present. There may also be thyroid, gall bladder, and liver changes. The intestinal mucosa can become permeated and Leaky Gut syndrome can result. This allows toxins and bacteria to access a key area in the abdomen which affects immune system response.
"We have, however, shown that neurological dysfunction can not only precede coeliac disease but can also be its only manifestation...The typical clinical expression of a patient with gluten sensitivity where the sole manifestation is neurological is cerebellar ataxia, often with a peripheral neuropathy. Most of these patients will have histologically normal mucosa on biopsy and few or no gastrointestinal symptoms. Both the ataxia and the neuropathy may be reversible."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Bluetooth from brain to blog on bike
How's that for alliteration in my title? It's true. If I could channel my thoughts while I'm riding directly to my blog, you'd all really be tired of me! Things like most interesting road kill/detritis of the day, most intriguing idea of the day, new biking discovery of the day... You get the idea. Not much of interest in the road today but saw a brilliant "green" contractor idea. I passed a motorcycle that had a collapsible ladder strapped to the side of it! Estimating today? No truck needed. Drive the bike! Yesterday's most interesting person on the ride wasn't actually a person but a canine, a beautiful 1st gen, full size, golden doodle. I want one. Nice big muzzle, big but not too big, soft and furry coat that shed's little.
Other more significant things run through my mind too. While riding home tonight I was again amazed at how I'm changing at really deep levels. I was thinking about identity. I know and teach tons of stuff about how Jesus is my identity. The fact that I am loved and accepted completely by God is a part of my daily thoughts. However there are parts of my soul/spirit that aren't so closely tied to my intellect. These parts find me reflecting on the recent changes I've made and finding it all a little incredulous and more than a little uncomfortable at the same time. Who is this thinner, more fit, outdoor loving version of myself? I recently watched Jake Gyllenhal in Source Code. The main character asked the military commander if there was another one of her somewhere that didn't marry that guy, that made different choices for her life. I'm blissfully happy with my choice of soulmate, my choice to bear each of my children, my life journey with God. But what other areas need change to become permanently a part of who I am, of my identity?
Sometimes as I reflect on my journey toward a thinner me I find an inner voice telling me, "It won't last" or "This thinner you isn't really who you are." "You really aren't this person who loves biking everywhere you go and would prefer not to get in a car unless you have to." "You really don't like the big night sky. It makes you afraid." I'm learning the importance of quieting those voices. Of taking control of my life in ways I know beyond a shadow of a doubt are things God wants to change in me. The wonder of it all is that sometimes there are things that I sense him saying, "Sure, go ahead and try that on. See how it fits you. I can work with that."
Dave Evans, a brilliant man, mentor and friend, taught a class at Vintage Faith on the will of God. The most freeing thing he talked about was the "infinite number of yous" being ok for God to work with. He's a big God that can move the chess pieces of life and choices around endlessly without error or doubt. There is an incredible amount of freedom in accepting "growth change". Fear would have me feel otherwise. My stoic, risk averse German DNA gets a little freaked out by it. Secretly, I think the Irish DNA is exultant in it!
Some of you are wishing I would cut to the chase and just tell you how I've lost 50+lbs. I'm not ready to do that here. It feels too much like a multi-level marketing scheme tactic. I don't want to cheapen the hard work that's involved. I can tell you in a nutshell how I've done it. Homeopathic Hcg. Ok so I did it. But that doesn't reveal the inner work that has brought me to the place that I can feel my stomach growl and not reach for the cookie. So those of you who are in it for the long haul, travel with me and learn more about how it all works. Share your thoughts back. I've created a few discussions in my FB Healing Pathway page. Tell me what you're thinking and experiencing.
Other more significant things run through my mind too. While riding home tonight I was again amazed at how I'm changing at really deep levels. I was thinking about identity. I know and teach tons of stuff about how Jesus is my identity. The fact that I am loved and accepted completely by God is a part of my daily thoughts. However there are parts of my soul/spirit that aren't so closely tied to my intellect. These parts find me reflecting on the recent changes I've made and finding it all a little incredulous and more than a little uncomfortable at the same time. Who is this thinner, more fit, outdoor loving version of myself? I recently watched Jake Gyllenhal in Source Code. The main character asked the military commander if there was another one of her somewhere that didn't marry that guy, that made different choices for her life. I'm blissfully happy with my choice of soulmate, my choice to bear each of my children, my life journey with God. But what other areas need change to become permanently a part of who I am, of my identity?
Sometimes as I reflect on my journey toward a thinner me I find an inner voice telling me, "It won't last" or "This thinner you isn't really who you are." "You really aren't this person who loves biking everywhere you go and would prefer not to get in a car unless you have to." "You really don't like the big night sky. It makes you afraid." I'm learning the importance of quieting those voices. Of taking control of my life in ways I know beyond a shadow of a doubt are things God wants to change in me. The wonder of it all is that sometimes there are things that I sense him saying, "Sure, go ahead and try that on. See how it fits you. I can work with that."
Dave Evans, a brilliant man, mentor and friend, taught a class at Vintage Faith on the will of God. The most freeing thing he talked about was the "infinite number of yous" being ok for God to work with. He's a big God that can move the chess pieces of life and choices around endlessly without error or doubt. There is an incredible amount of freedom in accepting "growth change". Fear would have me feel otherwise. My stoic, risk averse German DNA gets a little freaked out by it. Secretly, I think the Irish DNA is exultant in it!
Some of you are wishing I would cut to the chase and just tell you how I've lost 50+lbs. I'm not ready to do that here. It feels too much like a multi-level marketing scheme tactic. I don't want to cheapen the hard work that's involved. I can tell you in a nutshell how I've done it. Homeopathic Hcg. Ok so I did it. But that doesn't reveal the inner work that has brought me to the place that I can feel my stomach growl and not reach for the cookie. So those of you who are in it for the long haul, travel with me and learn more about how it all works. Share your thoughts back. I've created a few discussions in my FB Healing Pathway page. Tell me what you're thinking and experiencing.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Abstract from my dissertation
This is a bit of a departure from current blog posts but many have been curious about my dissertation. It will be a dry subject for many but here's the abstract as it stands so far... Subject to change of course. I'm only twelve of 45-75 pages in!
Abstract for Redeeming Health: The Practice & Theology of Natural Health
This paper is written to stimulate the thinking and discernment of the reader in respect to healing mindsets and methodologies currently in practice in health and medicine today. The intended audience is primarily people whose worldview is framed in Biblical Christian values and beliefs. It will challenge some; others may find it enlightening. Readers who do not hold values consistent with a Christian worldview are invited to read and think critically about the principles presented.
I will explore questions such as: How has the Theology of healing changed throughout the ages? Is it static or has it changed as society or religious perspectives have changed? What were those theologies or philosophies? Why did the changes occur? How has our postmodern/post-Christian shift affected health, medicine, and the Christian view of healing? How have people who follow God made medical choices in the past? What is the significance of these changes? If science prompted change, what changes prompt our current theology on healing? What role does scripture play in these choices? I examine concepts laid out in the Christian and Hebrew scriptures: the Creation and Hebrew Testament stories of early humanity, Jesus’ healing passages, eating meat offered to idols, general and special revelation, as well as applicable apochryphal passages.
I’ll present principles to lay a foundation for discernment. One that will consider truth, input from the scriptures, input from natural revelation through science and the created order, and examine how health and healing has been viewed and practiced throughout the ages and into our present time. This can educate us regarding the big picture that helps us make wise choices today. I will conclude with principles for discernment in all methodologies of healing and include a matrix to help the reader to make an informed decision based on the thoughts presented here, one best suiting her conscience and health perspectives. In some cases, Christ followers will choose methodologies they had not tried before. In other cases personal discernment may lead them away from therapies now deemed acceptable in the mainline American medical system. The goal of this paper is to bring educated discernment and to help formulate a current theology of health and healing based on principles honoring to our God and Creator which will allow us to find a healing pathway God desires for us.
Thinking I might tweet...
Second day of school. Mom is improving. Barry's at work. I should be working on my dissertation. Much more incentive to blog today! Please bear with me as I learn to blog. In my mind there's a fuzzy zone where blogging simply becomes a narcissitic venting, mental dysentary or useless effort for me to write or you to read. So as I fine tune that sense, be aware that I may offer a little TMI (blame approaching menopause?), useless mind ramblings or something in some way offensive to someone. What I want to do is see if any of my musings, research, training or experiences can resonate with yours. I want to offer insights into what has often been right in front of me but I had to get a little more seasoned from life's ups and downs to see it. As you feel ready to jump in with comments I'll try to fine tune further as I find out what is really helpful to people. One of my biggest personal feats offered by this blog is to try to put to rest my 120% or it's nothing mindset, a destructive life tendency that I'm trying desperately to break! I'll also open some discussions on my facebook Healing Pathway page so that if a drilled down discussion is helpful we can do that there instead of in a blog.
As for the tweeting... All morning I've had tweets in my head but no phone in hand. Things that I'm loving about being 53lbs (almost!) lighter at 53 have rolled through my awareness. I'm considering tweeting these not so that I can gloat (really!) but so that others might see that there are joys along the way toward goal weights and better health. If we don't appreciate the small victories, we'll never reach the big goal.
Have I shared my mantra that has kept me on this journey? When I was just starting out I was terrified of how long the process of losing 90lbs was going to be. I was praying about this cuz I was afraid it would deter me from even getting started. (120/0 thinking again!) A catch phrase (for those uncomfortable with the word mantra) came to my mind. (I believe from my amazing Creator!) Countless times along this journey I have reinforced my resolve with this phrase:
"It may take a long time but I won't always be here on my way there."
now on to the dissertation!!!
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Journey Continues
I promised a blog today and am finding the tyrannies of the day crowding in already. The first day back to school for kids should be a quiet one for me. But the day marches on. Barry is running around me in a flurry of activity as I sit here to write a bit so forgive me if it's short.
There are a couple of things running around my brain today. Constant prayers for my family is one. My sweet 90 year old mom is one day out from surgery to replace a broken hip. I feel at peace but far away. They are in Nebraska--a world away from Silicon Valley, California! My two sisters are helping her and my dad (92 yrs) as they go through this tough time. One sister is recovering from major back surgery so my other sister is the hero of the day today. Both of them have worked tirelessly to care and advocate for my Mom and Dad who are in an awesome skilled nursing facility with loving caregivers who are keeping track of my Daddy who must be very worried. They've been married since June of 1940. It's 2011, you do the math. In our time this is one of the longest marriages you'll find. They are still deeply in love and devoted to each other. Truly inspiring! So as my mom lies in her bed struggling for all of her bodily systems to come back online and in more pain than I want to think about, I struggle to write.
My kids are always in my thoughts. Two in their 20s still ramble through my thoughts daily as I think of what they're doing at their jobs or as they pursue their hobbies. Son a scuba diver. Daughter a professional pastry chef (@sweetshannies on twitter!) But I am beginning to let go. To breathe into their adulthood and independence. The teens just went back to school today so lots of thoughts going that direction. First day of high school for my baby daughter. That's a big one.
Never to be out of my thoughts is my amazing Barry. My parents marriage is inspirational. My own is lifegiving. He's back after a few days with the kids in Idaho doing cool out in the country stuff with 4WD jeeps and (gasp) guns (target shooting is cool!) and cute puppy dogs. Today we'll do our errands, experience a bit of a sabbath since Sundays are workdays for us as pastors and hosts to a new faith community, and enjoy lunch together before the kids are out of school.
So forgive me if today my thoughts are divided and scattered. Thoughts of health, weight loss, nutrition and exercise are in there but they aren't center stage today. I'll tell you more about our family journey toward better health and the nearly 125 lb weight loss of the Renfros. The story of the Incredible Shrinking Renfros is still ahead. Stay tuned...
Monday, August 08, 2011
On a new journey with Healing Pathway... Join me
My daughter is inspiring me on so many levels. She's just started a business, a blog and upped her facebook presence. It's been years since I've last used this blog so I'll be a little rusty but I want to get back to it so here I go. It may be a little bit at a time but here goes...
I think the big thing that has held me back has been an overwhelming sense that as I grow older, I've realized how little I really know. Five years in the study of natural health has vastly grown my knowledge but that's not it. Do I really have anything to say that might make a difference in someone's life? That's the question haunting me. My husband has long pointed out that I live by the 120% rule: If it's not 120% then it's 0. I'm attempting to leave behind that destructive way of thinking. As a result, I'm going to take a chance that I can actually share something that might be helpful to another. If not for you, then maybe for someone else.
Recently a good friend and colleague wisely and kindly admonished me to begin to practice what I preach. Ouch! This was the most loving and kindest thing she could have said. It was only an echo of what I was already feeling but not acting on. Again proof that I needed to practice what I preached.
I'll be a bit vulnerable here and, at the risk of TMI, share things I might not have when I was younger. Blame it on approaching menopause. I have "that thing Kitty (That 70s Show) has". But I do it in the hopes that my transparency might help someone else find the courage and insight I lacked just a few months ago and maybe to have people help me stay accountable.
I'm a dissertation short of a naturopathic doctor/ojopodoctor of naturopathic ministry degree. I'm also certified to practice and teach a touch healing methodology called Cellular Response. I've had training in several types of massage, body systems analysis, nutrition, human chemistry and more. Over the past five years I have gained a tremendous respect for the human body, mind and spirit. All this and I was 90lbs overweight!
There are always reasons why one gains a little here and there, aren't there? What happens that suddenly the extra five pounds turns to 10 and how in the world does it get to 90? In my case I was at my goal weight after two children and a whole lot of hard work. Giardia; gall bladder disease, surgery, complications leading to chronic pain, medication that instantly put on 40lbs; a severe ankle injury involving 3 surgeries and a year and a half recovery, two more pregnancies... Physically, it was a rough twenty years. But that said, I began my ascent out of denial when I took a little test in Dr. Phil's book, The Ultimate Weight Solution. I discovered I was NOT ready to lose the weight I'd gained. This realization while pretty sad might have actually been the first step. That plus my friend's admonition and a pretty crazy food plan started me on this new journey. Stay tuned for more posts about just that and join me!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Pathways to Health
Since at Healing Pathway, we're all about helping you find your pathway to health, I wanted to write a bit about what I've learned about some of the most important pathways in our bodies! These are critical to health and wellbeing! Even my cellular response work is closely connected with these pathways.
There are 5 elimination pathways that remove toxins from the body. Toxins cause body pollution and the result is inflammation. Inflammation has been found to be the root cause of many diseases and body malfunctions. These pathways must be kept healthy or they get overburdened and the body’s natural healing abilities get blocked. They are:
To improve:
Lungs/Respiratory: Breathe fresh clean air whenever possible, breathe deeply from diaphragm, practice 10-20 minutes of deep relaxation breathing—breathe in through nose, out through mouth. Be sure to breathe out longer than in and control the breath. As you exhale, let God take the cares of the day off your back! The lungs filter out toxins and they are released through the exhale. Inhaling brings in new oxygen to replenish the cells. Drink water!
Digestive System: What goes in should come out. If it doesn’t do that often enough, you can reabsorb the toxins or create new problems in the digestive tract. Much of what happens in your immune system depends on good digestive elimination. Take enzymes if needed to assist in digestion. Be sure to eat adequate amounts of pH balancing foods like fruits and vegetables to offset the acidity of heavy foods and proteins. Avoid constipation. Drink water!
Kidneys/Urinary System: The kidneys are one of the prime pathways for removing toxins. After long periods of massage or cellular reponse work we work the kidneys to help support the elimination of the toxins released during these therapies. There are some herbs to try if you want to support the kidneys but the most important thing is to Drink water! Drink water!!!!!
Lymph:The lymph system does not have a pump like the blood does. Since there is no heart to move the lymph, it relies totally on you to help it move. If you move, so does it! As you use your muscles even in gentle movement, your lymph is circulated throughout your body. If you sit without movement, so does your lymph. The lymph system alone is the source of a blog! But in the meantime, keep moving, and dry brush! Drink water! Drink water!!!!!
Skin: Drink water! Drink water!!!!! and Dry Brush 2x a day!
See some consistencies in care for these pathways? Drink water is in all of them! Our bodies are 70-80% water depending on who you read. If we are not nourishing our cells with water, they do not have what they need to transport the toxins out of the cells and into the systems for elimination. This is key! If you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. If you are not thirsty and not drinking water, you might have "turned off" the thirst sensation. But this is the subject of yet another blog!
MonaVie is a juice blend with it's main ingredient being the #1 superfood according to Dr. Perricone, the acai berry. It is extremely high in antioxidants and made with very high quality standards. Don't be fooled by other acai products. If you're interested in it, see my website at http://mymonavie.com/terrirenfro for more info. I am an independent distributor and LOVE this stuff!
There are 5 elimination pathways that remove toxins from the body. Toxins cause body pollution and the result is inflammation. Inflammation has been found to be the root cause of many diseases and body malfunctions. These pathways must be kept healthy or they get overburdened and the body’s natural healing abilities get blocked. They are:
- Lungs/Respiratory system
- Digestive System (includes liver, gall bladder, stomach, large and small intestine,
- Kidneys/Urinary system
- Lymph System
- Skin!
To improve:
Lungs/Respiratory: Breathe fresh clean air whenever possible, breathe deeply from diaphragm, practice 10-20 minutes of deep relaxation breathing—breathe in through nose, out through mouth. Be sure to breathe out longer than in and control the breath. As you exhale, let God take the cares of the day off your back! The lungs filter out toxins and they are released through the exhale. Inhaling brings in new oxygen to replenish the cells. Drink water!
Digestive System: What goes in should come out. If it doesn’t do that often enough, you can reabsorb the toxins or create new problems in the digestive tract. Much of what happens in your immune system depends on good digestive elimination. Take enzymes if needed to assist in digestion. Be sure to eat adequate amounts of pH balancing foods like fruits and vegetables to offset the acidity of heavy foods and proteins. Avoid constipation. Drink water!
Kidneys/Urinary System: The kidneys are one of the prime pathways for removing toxins. After long periods of massage or cellular reponse work we work the kidneys to help support the elimination of the toxins released during these therapies. There are some herbs to try if you want to support the kidneys but the most important thing is to Drink water! Drink water!!!!!
Lymph:The lymph system does not have a pump like the blood does. Since there is no heart to move the lymph, it relies totally on you to help it move. If you move, so does it! As you use your muscles even in gentle movement, your lymph is circulated throughout your body. If you sit without movement, so does your lymph. The lymph system alone is the source of a blog! But in the meantime, keep moving, and dry brush! Drink water! Drink water!!!!!
Skin: Drink water! Drink water!!!!! and Dry Brush 2x a day!
See some consistencies in care for these pathways? Drink water is in all of them! Our bodies are 70-80% water depending on who you read. If we are not nourishing our cells with water, they do not have what they need to transport the toxins out of the cells and into the systems for elimination. This is key! If you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. If you are not thirsty and not drinking water, you might have "turned off" the thirst sensation. But this is the subject of yet another blog!
MonaVie is a juice blend with it's main ingredient being the #1 superfood according to Dr. Perricone, the acai berry. It is extremely high in antioxidants and made with very high quality standards. Don't be fooled by other acai products. If you're interested in it, see my website at http://mymonavie.com/terrirenfro for more info. I am an independent distributor and LOVE this stuff!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Creator Awareness
So blogging is just like a diary for me. I am sequential enough that just jumping in on a topic is torturous. I have so much in my head, where do I start and when? Well here's my best attempt at being random. Here I go on a topic...
I was reading this morning in the book Wisdom of Solomon. It is a part of many Christian Bibles, "inbetween" the Hebrew writings (although they are themselves still generally Hebrew I think) and the Christian era writings. They have been valued and studied to varying degrees in Jewish/Christian traditions for centuries. However, being from a rather conservative tradition, I'm just now discovering them.
Just a quick note going in on gender pronouns. I believe God is beyond our created male and female existance. I choose to use the traditional masculine pronoun, not because I ascribe to the gendering of God or to a patriarchal system but because in my language, English, (Latin/Greek based) throughout it's history and development, the masculine pronoun implied life; the feminine was inanimate. My God is living and knowable, not made of stone or lifeless. So I choose to use the masculine pronouns. Because God declares himself to be one not many, I still use a singular pronoun. However unfortunate and inconvenient these labels are, I am choosing to use them for the sake of simplicity. When you see "He" or "Him" please see these as outside of our typical use of these pronouns and remove from them the gender baggage they carry today.
This particular passage I discovered about a year ago but it keeps coming back to me. I think of it when I try to reconcile what I know about my God and His ways and what healing techniques I discover in alternative/complementary medicine and science. I believe in a Creator who exists in, around and reveals Himself through His creation. I also believe an enemy of God exists, spiritual forces working contrary to the Creator attempting to thwart God's way in my life and in all of creation. As a result, I desire to only avail myself of means fitting with the way I perceive God works and in ways fitting with His character. Some of the methods based in Eastern/Chinese mysticism base their power in concepts contrary to my worldview. That's a subject for another blog.
I find it best to ask questions. One of the first questions I ask when determining if a healing method is wise for me to practice or learn, is to examine the power source. Does it rely on a power contrary to the will of the Creator? If it does, I do not invite it into my methods. A second question is, "Am I giving the method the power to heal and not giving the credit to my Creator?" Is the power in the method nothing more than the way God designed the element to work to bring healing? An example: it appears some gems give off infrared heat. Some claim this power belongs to the stone or perhaps a spiritual force controlling the stone. Is it possible, the stone is merely doing the will of it's Creator who made it and the body, also a creation is responding the way it was designed to do?
The God revealed in my Scriptures does not share glory or worship with another. To do so is idolatry and breaks the first and most fundamental of the Ten Commandments in the Scriptures. This is why I love the passage in Wisdom. It clarifies why elemental Chinese medicine shouldn't be used without an understanding of the Creator who is above all and in all.
Here's what it says and I'll comment a little more after:
For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan while paying heed to his works; but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world. If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them.
And if people were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is the one who formed them. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator. Yet these people are little to be blamed for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find him. For while they live among his works, they keep searching and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful. Yet again, not even they are to be excused; for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things? But miserable, with their hopes set on dead things, are those who give the name "gods" to the work of human hands... (Wisdom of Solomon 13:1-10)
Coming from my modern, non-mystical, evangelical upbringing, I was very skeptical of things that sounded "new age." Now, I examine things to see if the concepts might actually belong to God. In the 70's Christians realized they liked rock music. Larry Norman, grandfather of Christian rock (once an oxymoron) once asked, "Why should the devil have all the good music?" My modification of that line is why should the devil claim ownership of what is really God's? I know, not at all catchy for a song! But perhaps powerful reasoning for a believer possessing one of the Holy Spirit's gifts of healing.
In our time there is not a slam dunk way for a Christian to sort this out. There are not many books written from those who've done this type of examination. So I ask even more questions. Does this method reflect the Creator? Is there something in the method which fulfills how God made the body to heal itself? Could, somewhere along the line, the followers of the Creator, have left it behind? Did others who didn't know the Creator, worship the created object instead, ascribing the power to the created element rather than the Creator? Could God have used even the "pagan" to keep a work of his creation alive until a believer came to redeem it and use it for purposes once again glorifying to Him? I choose to redeem and return credit to it's proper place.
Note: This passage in Wisdom is well supported by a passage in the Scriptures. Look it up online at www.biblegateway.com. Search on Romans 1:18-23.
I was reading this morning in the book Wisdom of Solomon. It is a part of many Christian Bibles, "inbetween" the Hebrew writings (although they are themselves still generally Hebrew I think) and the Christian era writings. They have been valued and studied to varying degrees in Jewish/Christian traditions for centuries. However, being from a rather conservative tradition, I'm just now discovering them.
Just a quick note going in on gender pronouns. I believe God is beyond our created male and female existance. I choose to use the traditional masculine pronoun, not because I ascribe to the gendering of God or to a patriarchal system but because in my language, English, (Latin/Greek based) throughout it's history and development, the masculine pronoun implied life; the feminine was inanimate. My God is living and knowable, not made of stone or lifeless. So I choose to use the masculine pronouns. Because God declares himself to be one not many, I still use a singular pronoun. However unfortunate and inconvenient these labels are, I am choosing to use them for the sake of simplicity. When you see "He" or "Him" please see these as outside of our typical use of these pronouns and remove from them the gender baggage they carry today.
This particular passage I discovered about a year ago but it keeps coming back to me. I think of it when I try to reconcile what I know about my God and His ways and what healing techniques I discover in alternative/complementary medicine and science. I believe in a Creator who exists in, around and reveals Himself through His creation. I also believe an enemy of God exists, spiritual forces working contrary to the Creator attempting to thwart God's way in my life and in all of creation. As a result, I desire to only avail myself of means fitting with the way I perceive God works and in ways fitting with His character. Some of the methods based in Eastern/Chinese mysticism base their power in concepts contrary to my worldview. That's a subject for another blog.
I find it best to ask questions. One of the first questions I ask when determining if a healing method is wise for me to practice or learn, is to examine the power source. Does it rely on a power contrary to the will of the Creator? If it does, I do not invite it into my methods. A second question is, "Am I giving the method the power to heal and not giving the credit to my Creator?" Is the power in the method nothing more than the way God designed the element to work to bring healing? An example: it appears some gems give off infrared heat. Some claim this power belongs to the stone or perhaps a spiritual force controlling the stone. Is it possible, the stone is merely doing the will of it's Creator who made it and the body, also a creation is responding the way it was designed to do?
The God revealed in my Scriptures does not share glory or worship with another. To do so is idolatry and breaks the first and most fundamental of the Ten Commandments in the Scriptures. This is why I love the passage in Wisdom. It clarifies why elemental Chinese medicine shouldn't be used without an understanding of the Creator who is above all and in all.
Here's what it says and I'll comment a little more after:
For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan while paying heed to his works; but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world. If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them.
And if people were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is the one who formed them. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator. Yet these people are little to be blamed for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find him. For while they live among his works, they keep searching and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful. Yet again, not even they are to be excused; for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things? But miserable, with their hopes set on dead things, are those who give the name "gods" to the work of human hands... (Wisdom of Solomon 13:1-10)
Coming from my modern, non-mystical, evangelical upbringing, I was very skeptical of things that sounded "new age." Now, I examine things to see if the concepts might actually belong to God. In the 70's Christians realized they liked rock music. Larry Norman, grandfather of Christian rock (once an oxymoron) once asked, "Why should the devil have all the good music?" My modification of that line is why should the devil claim ownership of what is really God's? I know, not at all catchy for a song! But perhaps powerful reasoning for a believer possessing one of the Holy Spirit's gifts of healing.
In our time there is not a slam dunk way for a Christian to sort this out. There are not many books written from those who've done this type of examination. So I ask even more questions. Does this method reflect the Creator? Is there something in the method which fulfills how God made the body to heal itself? Could, somewhere along the line, the followers of the Creator, have left it behind? Did others who didn't know the Creator, worship the created object instead, ascribing the power to the created element rather than the Creator? Could God have used even the "pagan" to keep a work of his creation alive until a believer came to redeem it and use it for purposes once again glorifying to Him? I choose to redeem and return credit to it's proper place.
Note: This passage in Wisdom is well supported by a passage in the Scriptures. Look it up online at www.biblegateway.com. Search on Romans 1:18-23.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Welcome to Healing Pathway
Welcome to Healing Pathway. On this blog you'll find musings, suggestions (not diagnoses or prescriptions!) --things I've discovered in my own journey toward wellness. This site finds it's roots in a Judeo-Christian worldview but perhaps not one you might expect so don't let that stop you. My hope is for you to find things I have tried to be helpful in your own journey toward mind-body-spirit wholeness.
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