Probiotics & Kiefer

Probiotics are all the rage today. Eating and/or drinking it will make you trendy and make your body happy. They best benefit those who are on, or have just finished, an antibiotic regimen, have a compromised immune system, or those who are experiencing stomach upset or irregularity.

Kiefer (not the guy on "24") is found in natural supermarkets or in the natural section of the supermarket and is a drink (like the drink-able yogurts) or a thicker yogurt-type-thing. It has been around forever and is full of probiotics and active cultures (which is secret code for "good bacteria"). Kiefer is full of good-digestion-promoting bacteria (just like yogurts and cottage cheese) and is a good choice if you are lactose intolerant.

Good tummy health can be found in other foods that are also naturally fermented like miso, regular yogurt (yup, you don't have to buy the new expensive stuff), breads made from fermented beans, tempeh, and unpasteurized pickled veggies like kimchi or sauerkraut. A happy tummy is made by having a healthy low in sugar and alcohol intake along with high fiber foods and veggies. Why? Because this is the pH environment where the micro-flora in your stomach will thrive.

When it comes to probiotics, remember that not all bacteria is bad.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal Silver is known today as a pre-drug by the FDA. Before 1938, it was considered to be a mainstream antibiotic. In 1970, research done found silver ions to kill bacteria (about 650 diseased organisms) and promote bone growth.

How it Works:
Single-celled organisms (fungi, bacterium, viruses, etc) become oxygen deprived when in the presence of colloidal silver. Therefore, the pathogen suffocates and dies and is eliminated out of the body through the kidneys, lymph system, and bowels. Colloidal silver leaves behind beneficial enzymes, unlike many prescribed antibiotics, and is safe for use by humans, mammals, reptiles, plant-life, and other multi-celled organisms.

The best colloidal silver is produced by the electro-colloidal / non-chemical method where the silver particles and water have been "colloided" (dispersed within and bound to each other by an electric current).

There are a couple of ways to use colloidal silver: orally and topically. Taken orally, colloidal silver will go into the bloodstream to help heal ailments after 3-4 days. It can be used on cuts, scrapes, burns, and even warts. It is even said that colloidal silver works as a natural deodorant when applied to the arm pits since it kills bacteria.

If taken incorrectly, one can develop a condition called argyria, where one's skin, gums, organs, and other tissues can turn a grayish-blue color. As with any product used for medicinal/healing purposes, consult your doctor for the proper use before using colloidal silver.

These are my references for this post:

• Natural Health and Longevity Resource Center: check this one out for additional uses of colloidal silver
  

• Quackwatch: Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  
  
• Altered States
  

Instant Mood Lift

There are a couple of ways that I like to reduce my stress or cheer myself up if I'm a mess:
Cute Overload and LOL Cats.

Laughter and smiling releases endorphins in the pre-frontal cortex of one's brain, the reward center. Therefore, one is more relaxed and feels good (the brain sees laughing as a reward). This is beneficial to one's heart and mental health and can aid in recovery from an illness.

Check this out about laughing. It says there are places where people practice "laughter yoga". Where can I find that studio? I'm totally there!

Who cannot crack a smile after seeing some of these pics from the above mentioned websites?

Bladder Infection

Yup...some people get them. Here are some suggested items on how to combat them. Funny note: there was a mechanic school in my area who had commercials on TV--the name of their school is "UTI". Seriously, no one thought that would look weird?

Cranberry

Stops bacterial growth.

Colloidal Silver

Antibiotic. Kills fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Helps with healing.

Garlic (Kyolic)

Antibiotic. Boosts immune system.

Vitamin C plus

Antibacterial. Acidifies urine.

Bioflavonoids

Aids immune system.

Acidophilus

Replenishes good bacteria. Good to balance the affects of antibiotics.

Calcium

Soothes irritation of bladder.

Magnesium

Helps stress response. Good when taken with calcium. Chelate form is recommended.

Multivitamin and mineral complex with Vitamin A

Provides necessary vitamins and minerals. High-potency, hypoallergenic form is best.

Natural beta carotene

Provides necessary vitamins and minerals. High-potency, hypoallergenic form is best.

N-acetylcysteine

Equalizes free radicals. Detoxifies the body.

Potassium

Replenishes lost potassium (due to frequent urination).

Vitamin B complex

Helps with digestion. Especially important to take high doses if taking antibiotics.

Vitamin E

Fights infectious bacteria.

Zinc plus

Helps repair tissue. Boosts immunity.

Copper

Balances zinc.

Marshmallow Root

Can be used as a diuretic as it is known to increase the flow of urine and rid the body of excess fluid. Marshmallow Root soothes the urinary tract and relieves cystitis and bladder infection.

Burdock Root

Has mild anti-microbial properties, helps to reduce calcification deposits and promotes kidney function.

Juniper Berries

This herb was used by American herbalists to treat urinary tract infections. They believe the herb has diuretic properties that help to remove bacteria that is present in urinary tract infections.

Cranberry

Cranberry juice is well known for treating urinary tract infections. Recent studies suggest that Cranberry Juice contains a polymer that inhibits adherence of E coli cells to the cells lining the bladder, thereby helping to prevent urinary infections. Cranberry juice also decreases the recurrence of urinary stones and urinary odor. Benzoic acids of the cranberry are converted to hippuric acid and eliminated in the urine. The effect of cranberry juice in lowering urine pH and increasing its hippuric acid content makes it an inexpensive agent for treating acute urinary infections. It is best to buy pure, unsweetened Cranberry juice or capsules from a health food store as most commercial cranberry juice products contain high fructose corn syrup or sweeteners and small amount of pure cranberry juice.

Birch Leaves

Birch bark poultice can be applied to sore muscles to help relieve pain. Birch leaves used as a tea have diuretic properties.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a natural source of potassium which makes it a good choice as a diuretic that can be safely used when needed. Also stimulates the liver to detoxify poisons.

Hydrangea Root

Hydrangea Root has been used to treat bladder infections. Has also been used as a diuretic. The plant contains alkaloids that soothe the bladder and kidney area.

Fresh Blueberries

Blueberries have anthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant of the flavonoid family, and is similar to those of cranberries that can be used to treat urinary tract infections. Bilberry herb is a type of blueberry and may be as useful for treatment of urinary infections.

Buchu

Buchu is a safe and effective diuretic, anti-bacterial herb. It is used as a urinary antiseptic in bladder and kidney inflammations. Acidic urine flowing over the sore urethra causes burning pain when urinating and Buchu may help to alleviate this some.

Diuretics

Diuretics stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine, flushing excess fluids and minerals (e.g., sodium) from the body. Fluid retention usually occurs in the legs, ankles, and lungs. Diuretics help to relieve the feelings of having to urinate constantly due to cystitis. Taking or combining some of the herbs listed here will help to flush the kidneys and reduce the urgent need to urinate. Birch Leaves, Dandelion Tea, Cranberry, and Hydrangea.

Goldenseal

Goldenrod has antimocrobila and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to combat infections of the urinary tract, especially when blood is present in the urine.

Uva Ursi (bearberry, a type of cranberry)

The principal active component in Uva Ursi is arbutin and makes this herb beneficial as a urinary antiseptic. Also contains other glycosides that have diuretic properties.

Kava Kava

Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties making it useful in treating urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Rose Hips

Rose hips has been found beneficial in treating bladder and kidney infections.