Healthy with Jodi

blood

How Much Sugar – Can You Have? Did You Have? Should You Have? How to Calculate it.

by

How Much Sugar is Too Much?

Calculating Refined Sugar Intake In Teaspoons sugar

  • A healthy adult human being has approximately 5 liters of blood circulating at any given moment.
  •  In that 5 Liters of Blood a grand total of 1 teaspoon of sugar is available during a fasting state. That’s all the body needs to function.
  •  In 12-ounces of soda or energy drinks typically contain approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar.
  •  That little beverage effectively raises the blood sugar 10 times above what the body needs to function and typically within a matter of minutes.

To Decode the refined sugar in your diet simply do the following wherever refined sugars are listed in the ingredients.

1 Teaspoon of Sugar = Approximately 4 Grams of Sugar

In other words take the total grams of refined sugar and divide by 4 to learn how many teaspoons of sugar you are consuming per serving.

More About Refined Sugar

The Recommended Total Consumption of Refined Sugar & High Fructose Corn Syrup is less than 1 pound per month for Optimal Immune Health. Use the conversions below to assess how much sugar you are consuming each day.

  • 1 teaspoon of Sugar = 4.2 grams = approximately 4 grams
  • 453 grams of Sugar = 1 pound of Sugar
  • 115 teaspoons of Sugar = 1 pound of Sugar
  • 11 Sodas (132 Ounces) = 2, 2-Liter Bottles of Soda =
  • 1 pound of Sugar 1 Soda (12 Ounces) = 39 grams of Sugar = Approximately 10 teaspoons of Sugar
  • 1 Soda (20 Ounces) = 69 grams of Sugar = Approx. 16.5 teaspoons of Sugar
  • 1 Soda (2 Liters) = 67 ounces of Soda = 221 grams of Sugar = ½ pound of Sugar

Drinking 1 Soda (12 Ounces) per day = 30 Sodas per month = 2.65 pounds of Sugar per month from Soda alone = 360 teaspoons of sugar your body will have to use, store or eliminate in order to remain in balance at 1 teaspoon circulating in the blood stream.

I would also say that I would not count fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to this total…just refined sugars like white sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, dextrin, maltodextrin, agave syrup, maple syrup, and evaporated cane juice.

The US governments projects that average annual refined sugar consumption alone…not counting any other sweetener will be 74 or more pounds per year for the next 20 years. And we wonder why diabetes is the fastest growing pathology in the United States today.

 

See Related Articles

Fish List – Mercury is Not Your Friend!

by

Environmental Working Group’s

FISH LIST

* Shrimp fishing and farming practices have raised

serious environmental concerns.

** Farmed catfish have low mercury levels but may

contain PCBs in amounts of concern for pregnant women.

AVOID IF PREGNANT:

Sharkfish

Swordfish

King mackerel

Tilefish

Tuna Steaks

Canned tuna

Sea bass

Gulf Coast oysters

Marlin

Halibut

Pike

Walleye

White croaker

Largemouth bass

EAT NO MORE THAN

ONE SERVING PER MONTH:

Mahi mahi

Blue mussel

Eastern oyster

Cod

Pollock

Great Lakes salmon

Gulf Coast blue crab

Channel catfish (wild)**

Lake whitefish

Porgy

Orange Roughy

Snapper

Lake trout

Bluefish

Gontino

Rockfish

Government studies show that one of every six

pregnant women in the U.S. will give birth to a baby

whose blood is contaminated with mercury at levels

above the federal safety standard. Emitted from

coal-fired power plants and other sources, the pollutant

builds up in some types of seafood. Nutrients in fish

can be vital for a baby’s brain development, but too

much mercury can cause lasting brain damage.

To supplement FDA’s consumer advisories, which don’t

adequately protect the public, EWG evaluated mercury

tests from seven government programs and published

this list to help women choose safer seafood during

pregnancy. This is, in fact, an important guide for everyone,

as mercury poses a risk to the immune system and

heart, even at low levels. For more information, see our

webpage on mercury in seafood at:

http://www.ewg.org/mercury/

What Does Eating Healthy Mean? 16 Healthy Eating Principles You Must Know!

by

What does Eating Healthy Mean?

1- Mitochondrial Energy Production:

Mitochondria definition: and organelle found in large number in most cells, in which the biochemical process of energy production occurs. It has an inner and outer layer.

2-Organic sourced foods: look up EWG.org

The environmental working group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.  Learn what organic means

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great resource

3- Delayed food allergens: and allergy is an adverse reaction due to immunologic mechanism. A delayed onset food allergy is an auto immune disease that causes your immune system to overact when you ingest certain foods. The immune cells mistakenly attack food particles and treat them as foreign invaders and produce anti-bodies to try to fight what they perceive as toxins. Known allergies we can the immune and digestive systems, draining the body of energy.

Energetic Health Institute…an innovative 501(c)3 California Non-Profit & Gold Rated by GuideStar.org for transparency. School approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)

I’m a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who can order you the right lab work to complete and over see this process.

https://www.energetichealthinstitute.org

4- 60% Alkalizing   pH scale  0-14   Acid vs. Alkaline

Certain foods can effect of the acidity and pH of bodily fluids, including the urine or blood, and therefore can be used to treat and prevent disease

5- Green Food

Chlorophyll turns into new blood. Green promotes health and energy.

6- ORAC Value of Food

Oxygen radical absorbance capacity Is the unit of measurements of antioxidants found in food. (calories are a unit of energy)

http://superfoodly.com/orac-values/

7-Refined Sugar

A healthy adult has approx 5 liters of blood circulating at any given moment and needs 1 teaspoon of sugar available during a fasting state. That’s all the body needs to function.

12-ounces of soda or energy drinks typically contain approx 10 tsp of sugar. That raises the blood sugar 10x above what the body needs to function and typically within a matter of minutes.

 

1 Teaspoon of Sugar = Approx 4 Grams of Sugar

Take the total grams of refined sugar & divide by 4 to learn how many teaspoons of sugar you are consuming per serving.

8-Naturally sweet:

Think Real food

9- Fiber: 8-12 grams  per meal.  Average 25-30 grams a day.

Adds bulk to you diet and aids in digestion.

Insoluble fiber: found in wheat, bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps speed passage of food through the stomach and intestines.

Soluble Fiber: attacks water and turns into gel, slowing digestion.  Found in foods like oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some other veggies and fruits.  Can help lower cholesterol.

10-Raw foods

Raw foods contain enzymes.  Enzymes help break down food and aid in digestion.

Proteases: breaks down Protein

Lipase: breaks down fat

Amylase: breaks downs carbs

11- Healthy Preparation Methods

12-Environmentally Safe Meats and Fish

EWG.org

13-Environmentally safe Cookware

NO TEFLON!

14-Friends and Family MOODS

15- Beverage 8oz or less

16- Burn off what you consume!

Exercise/movement

Why is Vitamin D So Important? Best Sources of Vitamin D.

by

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to the body.   A few of Best sources of Vitamin D come from shrimp, sardines, cod and eggs. The FDA has set the reference value for nutrition label for vitamin D at 400 IU’s. Therapeutic ranges fall between 400 to 1000 IU’s.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and actually functions more like a hormone then vitamin. It works with the parathyroid hormone to maintain proper levels of calcium in the blood.

We need vitamin D to help our bones and teeth. It also helps regulate the growth and activity of cells. Vitamin D also helps prevent excessive inflammatory immune related activity, it builds your immune system and helps protect against disease.

Vitamin D deficiency results in decreased absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Prolonged deficiency can lead to an impact on your bone mineralization, Thus experiencing bone thinning (osteopenia), bone pain and or soft bones (osteomalacia).

It is estimated that nearly 75% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D1.  For many people, basking in the sun may not be an answer because of skin conditions and sensitivities. Eating oily fish on a regular basis also may not be an option, much of our seafood is over-fished or contaminated from pollution so it can be difficult to find pure sources. Surprisingly, there are several foods packed with vitamin D that are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine.

If you think you’re going to get enough vitamin D from the sun you need to have at least 40% of your skin exposed for at least 15 minutes a day.  Otherwise you will need to get your vitamin D from food and or supplementation.

If you prefer to get your protein vitamins or minerals from a plant-based diet, try mushrooms. 3 ounces portobello mushrooms is 20 cal, 3 g of protein, 1 g dietary fiber, zero cholesterol, 15 mg of sodium, 300 mg of potassium and 4% of your vitamin D for the day.

Other Great Sources of  Vitamin D:

Swiss Chard

Most leafy greens are high in vitamin D, but chard trumps them all.  Add to your omelet or steam with garlic and onions.  Try swiss chart instead of raw Kale in your smoothie and your stomach will thank you for the easier digestion.

Squash and Pumpkin Seeds

Go for Raw and sprouted!My favorite variety of pumpkin seeds are pepitas, the shelled pumpkin seed that has been roasted and sometimes tossed with spices and sea salt.

Beef Liver

Most people remember (not-so-fondly) being forced to eat liver and onions, but beef liver can actually be delicious. Try it in chili or even mix half beef liver and half bison or beef in your favorite meatball recipe.  Organic is SO Important!

Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially ones grown in sunlight, are very high in vitamin D. Portobello mushrooms are actually considered one of the best vegan sources of vitamin D.3

Caviar

It may not be for everyone and it can be quite expensive, but caviar is also high in vitamin D. If you can’t afford a fresh tin of expensive caviar (which typically isn’t sustainable anyways), try fresh fish roe next time you go out for sushi. Many brands carry organic, sustainably roe at affordable prices.

Almond Milk

While almonds are very high in vitamin D, many people don’t remember to eat a couple handfuls every day. Try buying almond milk instead of dairy.

Chicken Liver

Liver may turn some people off, but they can be so tasty if cooked right. Try it with Black rice, which has sautéed onions, garlic,  peppers, spices and chicken livers.

Dark Chocolate

Good news! Dark chocolate that has over 60% cacao content is packed with vitamin D, so the next time you have a sweet craving, indulge in a few small pieces of high-quality dark chocolate, Organic of course! Look for Cacao not Cocoa.

Cacao Avocado Mousse

by

Cacao Avocado Mousse

Gluten Free, Vegan

Happily serves 4

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

3 Avocados

1/3 Cup Coconut nectar

1/2 Cup Raw cacao
1 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of allspice (optional)
2 vanilla beans, split and seeded
1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt

Stevia drops if desired sweeter

Mash all ingredients together and enjoy!

Optional to add nut milk to thin out consistency.

Fresh mint leaf for garnish or chopped for added flavor
The Cacao is antioxidant rich, high in flavonoids, which are essential to a healthy cardiovascular system.  Cacao provides a natural form of iron for a natural energy boost.

The avocado provides heart healthy monounsaturated fats as well as a good amount of vitamin B5 and Vitamin K.  Avocados are known for promoting heart health, regulating blood sugar and are believed to potentially offer anti-cancer benefits, specifically when it comes to cancer of the mouth, skin and prostate gland. Avocados are very alkalizing to the body.

How to Reduce Inflammation: 4 Ingredients Could Be the Key

by

4 Key Ingredients For Improving Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s way of defending itself against disease and is a self-protective mechanism that can support the natural healing process. However, when the inflammation is chronic because of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, then this can leads to conditions where disease manifests. The good news is that there are various natural anti-inflammatories that can ease many of the chronic inflammatory conditions.

Below are a list of the key ingredients that can improve inflammation…

  • Curcumin. This is the active compound found in the Indian spice turmeric. Its curcuminoids can curcumin
    reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB, a protein complex that controls transcription of DNA, cytokine
    production and cell survival. It is involved in the cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, and plays an integral role in regulating the immune system response.
  • Serrapeptase. This is a proteolytic enzyme that can dissolve and safely digest inflammation within the body. Once the inflammation is removed, it’s possible for the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms to come into play. Serrapeptase is derived from the silkworm intestine but is now manufactured within a laboratory. When serrapeptase is taken it can safely eliminate inflammation that can appear as various symptoms including redness, swelling, pain and more.
  • Ecklonia Cava Extract is a super nutrient that can help to support healthy blood flow and circulation. Studies show it may reduce blood glucose levels, while supporting blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) and other trace minerals can help to support healthy lungs, joints,
    tendons and connective tissues.  This is an organosulfur compound that occurs naturally in plants and can help with a variety of health problems related to and including stress, inflammation, allergies and gastrointestinal conditions.

Any of the above nutrients can help to provide inflammation relief. Curcumin and Serrapeptase are particularly powerful as they are highly researched and have been documented as helping thousands of people improve their health conditions, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. When they are taken on a daily basis, they can provide long term results. Alongside taking these nutrients it’s recommended to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, as it’s then possible to find significant relief from the painful symptoms of inflammation.

How to Reduce Anxiety – Herbs for Anxiety Reduction – Reduce Anxiety with Herbs

by

Herbs for Anxiety

Not looking to use Conventional Drugs to help ease Anxiety?  Try some of these herbs.

Licorice Root contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and can help to normalize blood sugar levels as well as your adrenal glands, providing you with the energy necessary to deal with the stressful situation at hand. Some claim licorice stimulates cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby calming the mind.As a soothing tonic, drink it warm as in a tea.

Kava Kava, an herb from the South Pacific, is a powerful muscle relaxer and analgesic. Kava Kava is also effective at treating depression and anxiety associated with menopause. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-herbs-that-reduce-stress-and-anxiety.html#ixzz3zjWfhIxL

Valerian

Some herbal supplements reduce anxiety without making you sleepy (such as L-theanine), while others are sedatives. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is squarely in the second category. It is a sleep aid, for insomnia. It contains sedative compounds; the German government has approved it as a treatment for sleep problems.

Valerian smells kind of nasty, so most people take it as a capsule or tincture, rather than a tea. If you want to try it, take it in the evening—not before you go to work! Valerian is often combined with other sedative herbs such as hops, chamomile, and lemon balm.

Hops

Yes, it’s in beer, but you won’t get the tranquilizing benefits of the bitter herb hops (Humulus lupulus)from a brew. The sedative compound in hops is a volatile oil, so you get it in extracts and tinctures—and as aromatherapy in hops pillows.

“It’s very bitter, so you don’t see it in tea much, unless combined with chamomile or mint,” says Blumenthal. Hops is often used as a sedative, to promote sleep, often with another herb, valerian. Note: Don’t take sedative herbs if you are taking a prescription tranquilizer or sedative, and let your doctor know any supplements you are taking.

Chamomile

If you have a jittery moment, a cuppa chamomile tea might help calm you down. Some compounds in chamomile (Matricaria recutita) bind to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium.

You can also take it as a supplement, typically standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin (an active ingredient), along with dried chamomile flowers. In one study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients taking placebo.

Passion Flower

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that passionflower has shown in a few studies to work as well as some of the benzodiazepine medications that are usually prescribed for treating anxiety.

A four-week double-blind study, for example, compared passionflower with oxazepam. Results showed oxazepam worked more quickly, but by the end of the study period, both treatments were shown to be equally effective. Bonus—side effects like daytime drowsiness were fewer with passionflower.

A second study also showed that passionflower helped ease symptoms like anxiety, irritability, agitation, and depression in participants going through withdrawal from an opiate drug addiction.

Dosage: Try one cup of passionflower tea three times daily, 45 drops of liquid extract daily, or about 90 mg/day.

Lavendar

A 2010 multi-center, a double-blind randomized study of lavender oil compared to anti-anxiety medication lorazepam found that both were effective against generalized and persistent anxiety. Bonus — lavender had no sedative side effects.

“Since lavender oil showed no sedative effects,” researchers stated, it could be an effective and “well-tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines” to treat generalized anxiety. An earlier 2000 study found similar results.

Dosage: Try about 80 mg/day of the supplement, or use the oil as an aromatherapy solution.

Lemon Balm

Though usually found in combination with other herbs, lemon balm also has anti-anxiety powers on its own.

Research published in 2004, for instance, gave participants a single dose of lemon balm extract (300 mg or 600 mg) or a placebo, then measured their mood after one hour. The higher dose resulted in reduced stress and improved calmness and alertness. Even the lower dose helped participants do math problems more quickly.

Dosage: Use in aromatherapy, try 300-500 mg of dried lemon balm three times daily, 60 drops daily, or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm herb in hot water for a tea four times daily.

Ashwagandha

A 2012 double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave participants either placebo or a capsule containing 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha extract, twice a day. The study lasted for 60 days. Those taking the ashwagandha showed significant improvements. Even the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were substantially reduced in those taking the extract. And there were no serious side effects.

In an earlier 2000 study, ashwagandha had anxiety-relieving effects similar to those of lorazepam.

Dosage: Typical dosage is 300 mg standardized to at least one to five percent withanolides, once or twice a day.

L-Theanine

This one isn’t really a herb — it’s a water-soluble amino acid,  but it’s gotten such good research behind it, we had to include it here. It’s found mainly in green tea and black tea and is also available as a supplement.

Studies have found that it acts directly on the brain, helping to reduce stress and anxiety—without causing drowsiness.

Research from 2008, for example, found that those participants taking 50 mg of L-theanine a day had a greater increase in alpha (relaxed brain waves) activity than those who took a placebo.

An earlier 1998 study found that 200 mg a day leads to increased alpha brain waves and a relaxed, yet alert, a state of mind.

A later 2011 study found that it was also associated with reduced anxiety, and was well tolerated and safe for participants.

Dosage: A typical cup of black tea contains only about 25 mg of l-theanine and green tea only about 8 mg. While a cup of tea may be calming, if you want more potent effects, try a supplement, about 200 mg a day.