August 2022

Immune System Boosting Food Groups – Top Five

Our immune system is the most influential factor in determining our health. It continually interacts with the external environment, protecting us from all microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, funghi, yeasts, foreign proteins and cancer cells. In Chinese Medicine the immune system is related to the concept of wei qi, or “protective qi.” During the day wei qi circulates through the muscles and skin, opening and closing the pores and fighting off disease due to climate changes and microorganisms. At night it travels deep within the organs of the body. This protective qi is acquired from the air we breathe and the food we eat. In Western medicine we interpret a similar concept that immune system function is affected by the body’s ability to use oxygen and absorb nutrients.

A healthy diet is therefore essential to a strong immune system and specific foods can bolster immunity.

Here are five foods that can keep the body armed for life.

1 – Zinc rich foods – to reinforce insufficiency – Zinc deficiency is common among Americans, especially among those who do not consume red meat. The mineral zinc is vital to the development of white blood cells, which destroy invading pathogens. A 3 oz. serving of beef provides about 30% or the daily value for zinc. If you are not a red meat eater, try poultry, pork, oysters, yogurt or milk. If you are a vegan, cooked leafy greens, beans, legumes, wheat germ, nuts and seeds all contain zinc.

2 – Orange colored fruits and vegetables – to bolster the front line Your skin plays a key role in the immune system by protecting the body from outside elements. To stay effective the skin needs Vitamin A since it is important in the production of connective tissue and is crucial in fighting disease. A great way to get Vitamin A is from foods that contain beta-carotene, the precursor to this vitamin. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene are orange in color, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, pumpkin and cantaloupe.

3 – Mushrooms – to activate white blood cells – Traditionally various cultures have utilized the immune boosting quality of mushrooms. Recent research shows that mushrooms increase the production and action of white blood cells, which help fight infection. A variety of mushrooms, from the common button to shitake and maitake mushrooms, can now be found in local supermarkets and are easily incorporated into our cooking. The Chinese ganoderma (ling zhi) mushroom is considered powerful in enhancing immunity and has a strong anti-tumor effect.

4 – Tea – to fight the wreckage – When the immune system fights pathogens, free radicals are formed, which can damage cells and their DNA. Ultimately, this can lead to advancing the aging process and pre-disposing the body toward chronic diseases such as cancer. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and very beneficial in fighting free radical damage. Green and black tea are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that are extremely …

Foods That Strengthen and Energize

When my mother passed away four months after discovering she had a brain tumor, I knew I had to take ownership of my own health. Since then I have been on what I call a “health and longevity” journey discovering foods that lift my spirits, give me energy, and at the same time help me lose unwanted fat. I am more aware now than before about what I eat and question every food, every meal I eat while noting my body’s reaction.

When the body has too many toxins it becomes compromised. This causes the body to become more susceptible to various infections, complications, and in some cases to cancer. That is why it is so important to take action and explore the ways to nourish our bodies for strength and vitality.

I have been on this journey for five years, and I feel GREAT. Following are my discoveries:

Salads. A diet made of fresh leafy green raw vegetables, raw nuts, sprouts and a little fruit is not only nutritious, but helps put the body into an alkaline environment. The body needs a good balance of both acid and alkaline levels. Bodies that are more acidic than alkaline can increase the risks for disease and other ailments of the body.

Cruciferous Vegetables. If raw vegetables are unappealing, then lightly steam or blanch vegetables to preserve live enzymes. Preserving live enzymes and vitamins will help to digest food, and force you to chew them. Chewing raw vegetables produces 4 times the serotonin and helps you to relax. The best vegetables to cook are cruciferous vegetables because they don’t breakdown as easily at low temperatures, and still maintain its nutrients. According to various sources, the top 3 are broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Vegetable Juice. I feel fantastic every time I have a glass of fresh vegetable juice. It gives me energy and keeps me from wanting sweets. Drinking vegetable juice is the best way to get live enzymes. I recommend investing in a high powered juicer to make your own juice. A can of V8 will not produce the same benefits because it contains a lot of sodium. See for yourself when reading the label. Juicing only takes a few minutes of your time, but will produce an abundance of live enzymes that will be easily absorbed and reach down to the cellular levels within 15 minutes of consuming. Consider juicing vegetables that are not eaten often such as green cabbage, celery, carrots, beets, etc.

Try and add these discoveries to your existing diet and enjoy the health benefits.…

Before you go out and try the best pizza in the world, you should know that there are several different types. You may have heard of California style, New York style, Hawaiian pizza, and Neapolitan. But what is the difference between these pizza styles? This article will cover the differences between these styles and why you should try them all! After all, pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world! You can also learn more through the pizza menu Bridgeport CT.

Neapolitan pizza

The first time you visit a Neapolitan pizza restaurant, you’ll be delighted by the delicious variety of toppings you’ll find. While a Margherita pizza may be perfectly acceptable, opt for the four seasons pizza if you’re in the mood for a gourmet treat. Traditionally, four different kinds of toppings are placed on a single crust, often topped with Italian salami, mushrooms, black olives, and artichokes. These ingredients make a Neapolitan pizza taste authentic to its Italian heritage.

New York-style pizza

A hand-tossed, wide, thin crust is characteristic of New York-style pizza. Typically sold in slices to take home, New York-style pizza is crisp along the outer edge and soft beneath the toppings. The thin, soft crust is easily folded into half, making it easy to eat and carry on the go. A typical slice of New York-style pizza is approximately four inches in diameter. 

A thin, cracker-like crust is the hallmark of St. Louis pizza. This style of pizza is made without yeast and uses Provel cheese. This pizza is traditionally cut into rectangles or squares. The sauce is a spicy blend of Italian herbs. You can’t miss St. Louis pizza at a party, whether you’re bringing friends or ordering for two. No matter what the occasion, you’ll love St. Louis pizza.

Hawaiian pizza

The Hawaiian pizza is a specialty pie with ham and pineapple layered on the pizza crust. This unique pizza was created in Ontario, Canada, in the early 1960s by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos, who served it at his satellite restaurant. Although the dish has a long and storied history, the pizza is still famous among pizza lovers. However, the toppings have also caused controversy over the years. While many people don’t consider fruit a good pizza topping, Gordon Ramsey has chomped down two bites to raise money for charity. Likewise, the president of Iceland has spoken out against banning pineapple on pizza.

French bread pizza

Whether you’re an avid fan of classic Italian food or just looking for a new type of pizza, a French bread pizza will satisfy your appetite. You can find a large loaf of soft French bread in the bakery section of a grocery store. This type of bread has a better crust than a crisp French baguette. Then you top the base with sauce, cheese, and toppings. This delicious treat can be frozen or enjoyed straight from the oven.

Detroit pizza

It seems like no matter what you do; you can’t beat a Detroit pizza. …

Who Else Wants to Stop Overeating?

The answer to the title question is, of course, obvious: you do! You and me and many other people. Can you? Luckily, the answer is a definite “Yes.” Is there some ‘secret’ you’ve never heard before? Is there a miracle plan? No, but there are commonsense ways to stop overeating that you can adopt.

One reason people overeat is to compensate for anxiety. Decrease the guilt, shame, and frustration and there is less incentive to overcome negative emotions by gorging on food.

Self-Help To Reduce Negative Emotions

There are a dozen self-help methods for improving your skills in that area. (Yes, they are learned skills. Emotions are not “just there;” they have causes. You can change them.) Here are a few:

When you feel that urge to eat again – even if you’re not really hungry and may even feel full – take ten seconds to stop and think. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Have a glass of water while you do. Think about the event or person that caused your negative emotion.

Weigh consciously whether you really HAVE to experience that bad feeling, or whether there’s another way to evaluate the experience. For example, you may be a teen girl who was just taunted about your appearance. You reach for food to ease the hurt. But do you really have to care so much about what others think, especially if they’re cruel?

Easy Ways to Change Bad Habits

Another simple technique for reducing binge eating episodes – in amount and duration – is simply to slow down. Instead of wolfing down everything within reach, take your time. Let your body catch up with your brain, which will send signals that your anxiety has lessened as you eat.

There is a time lag between the intake of food and the hormonal changes it produces inside us. Giving your brain and body time to synchronize helps reduce the amount of food you want. Stretch that time longer and longer.

Then stretch the periods between eating a little longer. Not too long, though. In general, for overeaters, it’s better to eat smaller amounts more frequently than huge meals three or four times a day.

Remember, 200 calories per mini-meal consumed in six meals per day is only 1,200 calories. That’s a healthy low-calorie diet (provided it’s made up of healthy food, of course).

Get Help For Zero Cost

One way to reduce overeating that costs nothing is to start sharing meals with others who are trying to stop too.

As we said, one thing that drives us to overeat is negative emotions. Sometimes, those are simply the result of loneliness, feeling unwanted or undesirable, etc. So, one way to combat that is to eat with a friend having the same problem or join a support group and share outings.

Keep in mind, though, that those are not occasions to simply ‘pig out’ with people who have your same eating disorder. Sure, misery loves company, but …

Driver Safety: Good Health and the Comfort of Driving Gloves

We take it for granted that we can jump into our family sedan and automatically become a good driver. Fact is, most of us cannot drive to save ourselves. We don’t realize the important relationship between good health and driver safety. For example, like a drug, fatigue behind the wheel can kill you. The knowledgeable motorist will check his physical condition before taking the wheel.

Driving a car can make demands on a driver. He/She must be in just as good health as the automobile. Now, don’t worry, you don’t have to have a body like Vin Diesel in “Fast Five”. But, a minimum standard of well-being in body and mind is essential. If you are thinking of driving 200 miles and the car is a bit dodgy, you might say, “well, not sure if the car will make it, steering’s been a bit shaky lately”. On the other hand, if YOU were in the same condition as the car, you would not think twice about getting behind the wheel.

If you are tired, upset, got a headache or the flu and dosed up with antihistamines or tranquilizers, then you are a mobile timebomb! You are an accident waiting to happen! You have put your driving skills to the ultimate test and you’re gonna lose!

But, if you enjoy a state of good health with clear vision and you are able to buckle your seatbelt by yourself, then the threat on the road to yourself, your passengers and other motorists is greatly diminished. Not many of us collapse at the wheel because of a killer disease, but the threat to road safety from minor complaints is something very real and we must be judgmental enough to be able to calculate our condition.

Basically, the requirements by law as far as fitness is concerned is only that you are able to read the 6 inch letters at the end of the office and are able to fill out the application form. It is entirely our own responsibility to assess our own health as we would the road-worthiness of our car.

Now, here is a general rule of how to combat a sudden illness while driving:

1. Heart Attack – if you should ever be unlucky or unhealthy enough or just plain too old to drive, and have a heart attack while driving, generally you are not going to die straight away! Pull over to the side of the road and don’t drive for 3 months.

2. Migraine – if you feel a migraine coming on while driving, symptoms can be nausea and double vision, then stop immediately. Take off your leather driving gloves, sit down on the grass verge in the lotus position and practice deep meditation with forefingers and thumbs touching.

3. Anxiety Attack – if you feel an anxiety attack coming on while driving, you may suffer from memory loss, so pull over immediately and make sure you have …