Easy Weight Loss?

As I was driving this morning, I saw a billboard that read "Free Yourself. Easy Weight Loss. Get Bariatric Surgery Today!"

That might be relatively "easy" weight loss, but is it healthy?

In receiving a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, I studied all of the popular diets, exercise, and weight loss plans. I conducted research on a group of people that lost nearly 100 pounds in one year. I studied at a hospital where they put people on EXTREME diets for weight loss. When, in the end, most of those people gain their weight back when they begin eating 'normal' food. On top of that, the diets that doctors and highly trained professionals were recommending were very bad, very unhealthy. Many consisted of eating canned foods (that are totally depleted of all their mineral content), while others recommended supplements that contained harmful chemicals and additives including MSG. Some of these people were only consuming 500 calories per day, essentially starving themselves of nutrients and nourishment in order to lose weight (and then gain it back when they began eating a regular diet again).

Weight loss can be very difficulty, especially depending on what type of a program you are doing. Some are way more difficult than others, and require you to always watch what you eat and count the calories that you are consuming.

What if weight loss was easier than that? What if your lifestyle is what you focused on, and you lost weight and kept it off? You don't have to be on a diet forever!

I see many "weight loss professionals" out there who have written popular e-books. I have found many of these 'professionals' not to be professional at all, but instead, very good at marketing. They recommend the most popular fad diets at the time and throw in a little exercise.

Every person that I work with to lose weight is different. Each person needs an individualized plan, one that matches where they are in life, and one that will work for them. It is very rare to see two people on the same plan. Some people need more exercise while others lose 50-60 pounds by changing their diet alone.

I have never, and will never, recommend a diet of 500 calories per day. For the average person this isn't enough nourishment to get them through a full day. The body, including the brain, need nourishment to function properly. 

Weight loss comes when you free yourself of how you look at food. It comes when you 'revamp' your lifestyle to match a lifestyle of health and longevity. Health can be forever and should be forever!

So, get on the right path to health through lifestyle changes and a healthy mental attitude. This is the only solution that works for lasting weight loss and optimal health!

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. Her Montreal Natural Fertility site can be found here. 

Natural Treatment for Ringworm

By writing this article, I hope that I save you a trip to your doctor's office.

Ringworm can be very annoying, especially with people who do not know how to treat it themselves.

 Interestingly enough, ringworm is actually not a worm, but instead a contagious fungal infection. It can affect the scalp, the body (particularly the groin), the feet, and the nails. Its name comes from the characteristic red ring that can appear on an infected person's skin.

Ringworm is usually an itchy infection, showing up differently on different parts of the body. Ringworm of the scalp begins as a small pimple that becomes bigger and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness.  Ringworm of the body can show up as a flat, round patch (anywhere on the skin). It becomes larger and looks more like a ring as days progress. The area can be itchy. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the feet, another form of ringworm. Athlete's foot appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes. You can also develop ringworm of the nails. With this infection, the nails become thicker, discolored and brittle.

One of the most successful home remedies I have seen to cure ringworm is Tea Tree essential oil. Tea tree essential oil is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral substance. You can easily buy Tea Tree essential oil from most health food stores or online (make sure it is 100% pure essential oil). Apply Tea Tree to the affected area 2-3 times per day until the ringworm fungal infection disappears.

For some people, however, tea tree is not enough to kill ringworm. Another successful 'at home remedy' is to soak a couple of pennies in apple cider vinegar for a few hours. You can then take a cotton ball and dip it into the apple cider vinegar and apply it to your ringworm. Do this for 3 to 4 days, or until your ringworm is gone!

And, WALLLAAAA!! You have successfully treated a Ringworm infection on your own!

UPDATE: As I have experimented with other remedies for ringworm, I have discovered another remedy that works (and more efficiently for some people, I might add). Organic, cold-pressed Coconut oil is also anti-fungal and kills ringworm within a day or two.  I have found that apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil feel uncomfortable when placed on ringworm on the skin, while coconut oil feels nourishing as it is working to kill ringworm.

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. Her Montreal Natural Fertility site can be found here. 

Natural Healing for Cancer

Cancer is an illness that can be frightening for many, especially if diagnosed as serious and fatal.

So often I see people who have been diagnosed with many different cancers and are going through chemotherapy. I see them drinking Diet Soda from McDonald's, and eating chips and pizza. Many of their Doctors do not educate them about the importance of eating healthy food to build their body back up and to strengthen their immune system.

What is cancer, anyway?

Cancer starts out in one specific area of the body (which is a different location for everyone). Normal cells would divide and make more healthy cells that build whatever structure it is working on. Cancerous cells are basically cells that have gone haywire and started dividing uncontrollably. It's almost like they have missed (or ignored) the memo to build good healthy cells. If the body goes on in the state that it is in (dis-eased state), then the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, and start forming cancerous cells there as well. Cancer is far more complicated than that . . . this is a brief explanation of what the cells are doing.

Cancer begins in the body when it is in a state of dis-harmony. Somehow, throughout time, the body has gone out of balance. This could be caused by the stresses of a person's life, the unhealthy foods they consume, environmental toxins, parasites, emotional trauma, unhealthy belief systems etc etc etc. A physician's 'cure' is based on toxic chemicals (chemo) that work against the bodies natural abilities of healing. Chemo kills cancerous cells as well as healthy cells, and really wrecks havoc on the human body. The average physician does NOT educate their patient how to live healthy lives, but instead, tries to manage the symptoms. No lifestyle changes are taught in that field.

What we should be doing with people who have cancer is education on how to live 'correctly.'

What does a human need to stay healthy and function at their optimal level?

They need fresh air (free of toxins and chemicals), fresh water to drink and bathe in(also free of toxins and chemicals), adequate sunlight (oh so important for EVERYONE...without sunscreen), proper rest, nutritious foods, and a healthy emotional environment (internally and externally).

We are beginning to live in a world where many of these things are not taught as being important anymore. The average person, as listed above, drinks diet soda and eats pizza, chips, and other 'dead' foods. When we eat 'dead' foods, it is hard to build 'living' cells. These people also may work in a job that they hate, and they may not get adequate rest. It is not shocking that cancer rates have risen so dramatically.

So, folks, let's get on the right track here. Eat foods that are living and vibrant. Drink adequate amounts of quality water. Get outside in the sunshine and restore your levels of vitamin D. Find the things that you love to do, and do them everyday! Work through your emotional traumas, and don't suppress them anymore.

These things will all help to build your body back up to optimal levels, and will strengthen your immune system to fight cancer cells. Some cancers are severe, and should be handled more seriously. There are other herbal suggestions, homeopathic remedies, natural therapies and modalities that you can try to see which fits you best for your healing. I urge you to see what else is out there, even if you want to supplement your body while you are doing chemo. You will be amazed at the systems of healing that are out there that you may have never heard about.

I recently read an article about "Hoxsey Therapy." The gentleman who 'created' this therapy was claiming to have a cure for cancer in the 1920's! He faced a lot of abuse from the American Medical Association as they felt threatened from Hoxsey. Hoxsey's records stated that he was treating cancer with an 80% cure rate. He used two simple herbal blends, one to be applied externally for tumors and lumps, and the other to be applied internally. He was an interesting fellow, and I am shocked that more people don't know about him. I really believe that this 'cure' has been suppressed by the American Medical Association.

In 1976 Linus Pauling was doing studies on curing cancer by using high doses of vitamin C. He used 10,000mg of vitamin C on 100 terminal cancer patients every day, and found that these people survived three to four times longer than other terminal patients who did not receive vitamin C. This was more than 30 years ago!

Regardless, cancer is not a disease that should be taken lightly. I really encourage you to build up your body and examine the way in which you live.


**Please read my disclaimer! I do NOT diagnose or prescribe, nor do I want to replace your medical doctor. But, I do want you to know that there are OTHER options out there. Naturopaths DO NOT claim to cure cancer... but instead they work with the body's innate ability to heal itself.**

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. 

Chamomilla: Natural Remedy for Teething, Colic, Earaches, Cold, and Inconsolable Babies

If you have young children, especially a baby, then you need to stock your first aid kit with the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla (Chamomile).

Let me start out by giving you a short story of how this remedy works:

A couple weeks ago a parent brought in a 5 month old baby. The baby was very fussy, and had been since the previous day. I took out my homeopathic first aid kit and found Chamomilla. I mixed two small white pellets in a small glass of water. At that point the mother was at her wit's end, so I had the baby in my arms. He was still fussy as I gave him a small spoonful of the homeopathic water. To my surprise, within 5 seconds, the baby was fast asleep!

The mother couldn't believe her eyes (and to be honest, neither could I). The mother called me the next day and said that her baby slept all night and woke up happy. She was absolutely thrilled and amazed at the healing power of homeopathy!

Chamomilla (homeopathic Chamomile) is one of my favorite remedies for babies. It is indicated for pain, including teething and colic in babies. When a child is in a 'chamomilla state', they are obviously unhappy and uncomfortable. They are angry, irritable, impatient, and inconsolable. They are crying, screaming, and arching his/her back. They ask for something, but then refuse it. Their head can be sweaty, one cheek red and the other pale, thirsty, and with green diarrhea. Their symptoms improve when they are rocked or carried. Worse at night.

Earaches: sensitive to cold and noise (feels better with warmth); pain that makes the child frantic.

Colds: water, hot, runny nose that is also stuffed; difficulty sleeping.

Fevers: alternates between feeling chilled and overheated.

Cough: dry, tickling cough, hoarseness; worse from 9pm-midnight.

This is one of the best remedies for teething, colic, and earaches--especially when their symptoms match the above 'symptom picture'.


**Homeopathy is such a diverse field of practice. There are thousands of different remedies and sometimes it can be difficult to find the exact remedy. Consult a homeopath or Naturopath skilled in homeopathy. **

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. Her Montreal Natural Fertility site can be found here. 

Blueberry/Raspberry Cobbler (Gluten Free)

In preparation for the holidays, I have decided to try to make different gluten free desserts with no added white sugars. I am always in search of recipes that only use wholesome healthy ingredients.

The following is one of my favorite recipes. It is very tasty and satisfies many palates.

Ingredients you will need:

Filling:

1 Pint of Blueberries (can also use frozen if not in season)
1 Pint Raspberries
1 tblspn Maple Syrup
1 tblspn Cornstarch

Mix all above ingredients together. Grease a 9 inch pan, place the berry mix in the pan and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degree while preparing the topping.

Topping:

1/2 cup Brown Rice Flour
1/2 cup Other Healthy flour (can use whatever flour you prefer here... I really like kamut flour, oat flour and quinoa flour).
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tblspn maple syrup
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup rice milk or almond milk or raw cow milk
1/4 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)
2 tablespoons of rolled oats

Mix flours, baking powder, salt, almonds and rolled oats together. Warm butter and coconut oil so they are melted. Pour into mixture and begin mixing together. Add maple syrup and milk.

Drop over berry mixture. Place in oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

Update to Free Class Schedule!

Because we have had such success with our free online class series, we have added yet another one in the new year.

January 5, 2011 7pm-8pm

What is Naturopathy: Did you know there are many natural health modalities that you can work with to improve your health? Did you know that many people heal themselves naturally using some of these methods? Do you know what Naturopathy is and how it can benefit your family?

Come learn about the history of Naturopathy and how to incorporate it into your daily life! Also, learn about the difference between Naturopathic medicine and conventional medicine.

You can find our online 'classroom' by going to our website at www.psychehealing.com and clicking on "Online Classroom."

While you are there, you can jump into the chat and ask questions.

See you then!

Healthy Fall/Winter Soup: Jerusalem Artichoke, Potato, & Leek Soup

One of my favorite fall foods is hearty artichoke (Jerusalem), potato and leek soup. This recipe is so warming, especially on a cold fall/winter night!


First I start out by washing all of my vegetables, especially the root vegetables since they usually have lots of dirt!





Here is a list of the ingredients to buy:


3 leeks
10-12 Jerusalem artichokes (you can add more if you grow them and have a lot)
3-5 medium to large potatoes
Sea salt (to your taste, everyone is different)
2 Bay leaves
Pinch of rosemary
3-5 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of organic butter
Sprinkle of oregano and basil
Any other spices to taste
1 medium onion

The best thing about preparing food is making it up as you go! I always smell my spices to determine if they would taste good in the dish. To me, this is the best recipe! Experiment as you make this soup! See what you like!

Cut up your leeks (make sure you wash them well since sand and rocks will get stuck in between the layers), potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes. Add to boiling water. Put all spices in and bring to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes or so and then turn down to low. Cook this for 3-8 hours before you eat. The longer this soup simmers the better it will taste!

As you are nearing completion, give your soup a taste test! Add more sea salt if you haven't added enough. Also, add any other spice you think might add flavor t your soup. This taste is different for everybody. Now is the time to add the butter. Also, now is the time to add your cut up onion. Let your soup cook just until the onion turns soft.

Finally, ENJOY! You will be impressed by this nourishing and easy to make soup!

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here. 

Mark Your Calendar!

Hello everybody! I am pleased to announce that we have started our free online class series.

Our first online class was a success: Outward signs of inward problems. This class outlined the ways in which you can look in the mirror and determine where your weaknesses lie through tongue, face, fingernail, and iris analysis.

Our next free online class will be on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 (whoa, it's 2011 already!!!) from 7:00-8:00pm EST. This class will be on Homeopathy for the home, teaching you how to use remedies for acute ailments--from cold/flu to earaches and colic.

Homeopathy is truly an amazing healing art, and has been one of the only natural medicines that have worked during serious pandemics like the Spanish flu of 1918-1919. Did you know that homeopaths at the time were losing only 0-3% of their patients while physicians were losing up to 50% of their patients?? In this one hour class you will learn how effective homeopathy is during epidemics and pandemics, and what you can do to stay healthy!

You can find our online classroom by clicking here or following this link:


http://www.psychehealing.com/Wellness/freeonlineclasses.html

See you all in January!

Unite Now! YOU can help to end world destruction...

The world is at the edge of economic disaster because it is based on a system of greed and competition, where few benefit and many struggle. 

Wars have raged over religion, land, resources, and money. 

Oil has spilled and polluted our beautiful oceans and rivers.

This is madness and it is NOT the vision that our world is meant to be. 

Here is hope for a better world...

Where YOU, along with others of like-mind, have the power and ability to make a change. 

Unite Now!

Every person is precious. 

www.nutopia.cc

I am so very pleased to announce a project that is so near to my heart. This is a project that Moshe Daniel has been working on for many years. I have joined him in the planning and implementation of this plan to heal and unite the world under a flag of peace. What a beautiful vision it is. Please check out the site and unite with us to end suffering, war, division, hatred, greed, and the destruction of our beautiful and sacred planet.

The Big Fat Lie

The Big Myth: Fats are Bad...

When I was in college, I studied Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. During these four years, it was constantly pounded into my head that fats are bad. I was taught to teach my clients to eat 'fat-free' foods. In my life, I ate fat-free yogurt and fake butter. 

We learned the guidelines of cholesterol, and what a doctor considers to be too high. I was told that if a person's cholesterol level was too high, then they would be at an increased risk of heart disease. Even at that time, I questioned what they were teaching me. I asked many college professors why the incidence of heart disease was increasing every year while the guidelines of cholesterol levels were decreasing.  They could never explain this to me. More than ever doctors were/are putting their patients on cholesterol medications and successfully lowering their cholesterol, and yet the rates of heart attacks and heart disease were/are ever increasing. This didn't make sense to me. As a matter of fact, it still doesn't. 

It wasn't until my Naturopathic training that I began to learn the truth about fat. While studying basic anatomy, we learned that the liver actually produces cholesterol from fats that we consume from the diet. These fats come from eggs, meat, dairy and other fatty sources. 

The body uses this cholesterol for MANY different processes. Cholesterol is needed for cell walls, membranes, the production of hormones, vitamin D, the myelin sheath of the nerves, the bile acids that help to digest fat, and much more. 

CHOLESTEROL IS A NECESSARY BUILDING BLOCK FOR OUR BODY!

What happens if you don't have enough cholesterol? Well... your body cannot produce those very necessary things listed above. This can look like depression, headaches, multiple sclerosis (since cholesterol is what protects our nerves), Parkinson's disease, and many many others. We wouldn't be able to bear children and we wouldn't be able to concentrate or focus. Since cholesterol also protects our body from toxins like heavy metals (mercury, aluminum, etc), these metals would wreck havoc in our body (sometimes causing some of the above mentioned diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, etc).

This is a very serious thing folks. Good fats are so important to incorporate into our lives so we can live with abundant health. Some of the healthiest cultures consumed animal fat, high fat raw dairy products, and real butter. Everyone should be eating good fats, especially pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding their baby (who especially need fat to build their brain and nerves). 

So, you might ask, what is the truth behind cholesterol's link to heart disease?

They do find cholesterol build-up in artery walls. Yes. However, in order for cholesterol to build-up, your arteries must be damaged. Cholesterol is simply going there to do the patch up work (which might go way out of hand if you are eating a horrible diet). 

Your arteries become damaged by many different toxins in the environment. One of the biggest is cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Another cause of damaged arteries is CHLORINE. If you live in a city, you are getting this from your drinking water. Our bodies also absorb this from swimming pools. A third cause is stress/anxiety/emotions. 

A healthy lifestyle is very important to maintain the health of your body. This includes incorporating good fats into the diet like real butter, coconut oil, fish oils and others.When shopping, looking for organic butter where the cows have been grass fed (or even better if you know a local farm that sells it). Buy organic cold-pressed coconut oil and use it for cooking and salad dressings. Eat a healthy diet that has plenty of fruits and vegetables, and exercise! Finally, minimize the stress in your life. I don't think I can stress this enough... stress=illness!

Feed your brain, feed your nerves, and feed your body.

   And, more importantly, throw out the big fat lie that fats are bad!  

**If you are concerned about your cholesterol, please seek the help of a qualified Naturopath or practitioner.**

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Svea is a traditional Naturopath, classical homeopath and holistic doula. Her private doula practice can be found here.