ARE YOU ALKALINE OR ACIDIC?

The most important thing to know is that illness is cause by acid. Acid and alkaline balance is important to your health.  Once you master this in your diet, you will thrive. You will be surprised by all the diseases and ailments that are caused by acidity in the diet and then in the body. Acidity causes disturbance in your enzymes, de-mineralization and seriously harmful acid activity. If you are too acidic you may suffer from the following; low energy, depression, nervousness and agitation, low stress threshold, conjunctivitis, arthritis and more. Understanding the balance is the key. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14 The numbers below 7 are acidic (low on oxygen) The numbers above 7 are alkaline. 60-80% of the diet should be alkaline  and 20-40% should be acidic for an optimum result.
Acidic diets deplete minerals, alkalize diets replenish them. So, what is acidic? Fried foods, red meat, hard alcohol, caffeine and other factors such as stress.  Alkaline foods are your greens and a low stress lifestyle.  When you eat acidic food, your body works like crazy to bring it back to an alkaline state, that is how you get sick, it robs your mineral stores to overcompensate and this is where the trouble comes in. The standard American diet (sad) is acidic, burgers, cheese, coffee; all the food that gets eaten every day is eating up all the good things in your body. You need your minerals since your body does not replenish them. Once you use them, they are gone. If you want more you need to eat them. Minerals help your body to build essentials to its health; proteins, enzymes, hormones, etc. Foods that are high in minerals are alkaline.
The good news is that exercise helps the body balance ph, so get going!
Acidic foods include: cold-water fish, beef, venison, pork, wild game, milk (raw & pasteurized) butter cheese, cream, synthetic supplements, sugar, coffee, margarine, roasted peanuts, soft drinks ,isolated soy protein, isolated whey protein.

A list of Alkaline Foods are: -asparagus, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, chlorella, celery, cucumbers kelp, leafy greens, radish, spirulina, sprouts, zucchini, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, amaranth, stevia,beans, peas, flax and borage seed oil, apples, cantaloupe, lemons, limes, mangos, melons, avocados, papayas, pomegranates, bananas, strawberries, flax seed, hemp seed, chia seed ,sesame seed ,almonds. coconut brazil nuts.

I'd like to say that everything in moderation is the best approach there is in food and life!
..............................................................................................................................................

If you have a question or would like to learn more about the benefits of an alkaline based lifestyle, connect with us today.

Marie Dill, INHC, RYT 200
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher
631-624-6313
Marie@synergyhealthnow.com
http://www.synergyhealthnow.com

WHY USE DIATEMACEOUS EARTH FOR HEALTH?

(by: Glenn Taylor)

Fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, called diatoms form Diatomaceous Earth (DE). The skeleton of these tiny organisms is naturally made up of silica. 

For thousands of years, diatom has built up in sediments of streams, rivers, oceans, and lakes. Presently, these deposits are being mined out because of the increasing demand. Reasons of increasing popularity are functionality. DE, after all, not only works as an abrasive externally, it also has offers various internal benefits. 

Better Digestive Health
Diatomaceous Earth helps in removing harmful microorganisms from the intestine and the digestive system. DE acts as an internal cleanser and removes various heavy metals from the digestive track regularly. Studies have also shown that using DE is also beneficial for animal feed as it can rid animals from fleas and bugs (de Namor, et al. 2012; Bennett, Yee, Rhee & Cheng, 2011). 

More Regular Bowel Movements
Another important benefit of DE is that during bowel movement, it cleans the walls of the intestines. The hard shells of the diatoms scrub intestinal walls and boost the cleansing of the colon. This allows diatoms to remove all the toxins and excrete them efficiently. This normalizes skin health, fat burning, and improves the gut flora, leading to better bowel functionality. 

Healthier Colon
The detoxification of the colon improves the health of the colon. When food grade DE is ingested, it passes from the digestive tract into the colon. While passing, it attracts all the parasites, fungi, heavy metals, protozoa, viruses, and drug residues. This helps make the colon healthier and increases the functioning to an optimal level. 

Reduced Cholesterol
Another benefit of DE has been reported to be reduction in cholesterol levels. The silica present in DE gets absorbed into the blood stream and destroys the bad fats that increase the level of blood cholesterol. This has been affirmed by research studies as well, in which DE successfully reduced cholesterol levels of the blood (Wachter, et al. 1998). 

Healthier Hair and Nails
Silica helps in improving blood circulation and strengthening of the blood vessel. This increases the blood flow towards the scalp and encourages the growth of hair. Our hair is made up of 90 percent silica and DE is entirely made up of silica. Therefore, intake of food grade DE will allow hair to get their desired nutrition. Strengthening of blood vessels also augments the growth and development of nail and hair. A research study has indicated that silica found in DE increases the thickness and strength of the hair (Jugdaohsingh, 2007). 

Joint and Ligament Health
According to Dr. Barbara Hendel, “Silica is the most important trace element in human health.” Silica is directly involved with mineral absorption in the blood. This improves blood mineral density which leads to strengthening of bones or more specifically joints and ligaments. 

Clearer Skin 
Collagen is one of the most needed components for maintaining good, younger looking skin that retains moisture. It improves elasticity and reduces wrinkles, prevents the skin from sagging and drying. The silica in DE allows the body to maintain and produce collagen. DE is also used as a facial exfoliator and removes dead cells and skin to make the skin look younger and fresh.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information about the topic in this article, please visit http://www.phountainmedia.com. The Phountain Lifestyle and all written materials are copyright © 2015 Phountain Franchise Inc. All Rights Reserved.

References
Bennett, D. C., Yee, A., Rhee, Y. J., & Cheng, K. M. (2011). Effect of diatomaceous earth on parasite load, egg production, and egg quality of free-range organic laying hens. Poultry science, 90(7), 1416-1426.
de Namor, A. F. D., El Gamouz, A., Frangie, S., Martinez, V., Valiente, L., & Webb, O. A. (2012). Turning the volume down on heavy metals using tuned diatomite. A review of diatomite and modified diatomite for the extraction of heavy metals from water. Journal of hazardous materials, 241, 14-31.
Jugdaohsingh, R. (2007). Silicon and bone health. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 11(2), 99.
Wachter, H., Lechleitner, M., Artner-Dworzak, E., Hausen, A., Jarosch, E., Widner, B., ... & Fuchs, D. (1998). Diatomaceous earth lowers blood cholesterol concentrations. European journal of medical research, 3(4), 211-215.

RAW CACAO - A REMEDY FOR WEIGHT LOSS

One of the greatest healthcare issues being faced by the whole world is obesity. A huge population of the world is now becoming obese or overweight. Obesity has a lot of negative effects on the health of individuals and every year billions of dollars are spent on dealing with obesity related medical conditions. 


There are various remedies that have been presented in order to overcome this challenge. But it is not always possible for one to give up their favorite foods like chocolates and cakes in order to become healthy. Well, there is good news for chocolate lovers and those who love cacao. Because according to research, cacao can help you reduce your weight when consumed in proper amounts.
 

Cacao
Cacao is a famous super food which is rich in nutrients and offers many benefits together with a few side effects as well. Cacao beans have been used for ages because of their nutritional value and benefits.

Nutrients in Cacao
Unsweetened chocolate or raw cacao can offer us various health benefits such as:

• The flavonoids present in cacao can reduce toxins present in the body and improve your hearts health.

• Cacao beans contain around 50 percent fat. This fat consists of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These fats do not raise blood cholesterol level as long as you consume low fat variety cacao.

• The carbohydrates found in cacao are soluble dietary fibers and they keep us feeling full for longer time periods.

•  Some other nutrients found in cocoa are stimulants like theobromine, caffeine, phenylethylamine, serotonin, pantothenic acid, and essential vitamins such as A, B1, E, C, B2, and B3.

• Other important minerals like the magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, potassium, and copper are also present in cacao.

Benefits of Cacao for Weight Loss Programs
It is a bit difficult to comprehend that chocolate with all the carbohydrates, starches, and milk can help you reduce weight. But, it is true for raw cacao and byproducts of cacao i.e. cacao nibs and cacao powder. Two research studies have indicated that increased consumption of chocolate or cacao can lead to reduction of weight among adolescents as well as adults.
Moreover, pure cacao contains specified chemicals that can increase the levels of serotonin in the body. This can lead the brain to think that it is fully satiated and suppresses the hunger. The action of Monoamine Oxidase Enzyme and an amino acid Tryptophan inhibitors helps raise serotonin levels. 

They reduce the body’s ability to break down serotonin and as more of it remains in the blood, the more you feel satiated. Cacao is famous for having the negative calorie value because body does not take much energy to oxidize it. Raw cacao does not contain any sugar and hydrogenated oils that are commonly found in the processed chocolates.
Side Effects

• If eaten in excess, cacao beans can cause some side effects.

• It can cause allergies, if you are allergic to ingredients like polyphenols.

• Caffeine can trigger different reactions in pregnant women specifically the ones undergoing depression, diabetes, or hypertension.

• It can also increase anxiety levels and cause nausea, migraines, and gastric problems.

................................................................................................................................................................

For more information about the topic in this article, please visit http://www.phountainmedia.com. The Phountain Lifestyle and all written materials are copyright © 2015 Phountain Franchise Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 
References
Cuenca-García, M., Ruiz, J. R., Ortega, F. B., Castillo, M. J., & HELENA Study Group. (2014). Association between chocolate consumption and fatness in European adolescents. Nutrition, 30(2), 236-239.
Golomb, B. A., Koperski, S., & White, H. L. (2012). Association between more frequent chocolate consumption and lower body mass index. Archives of internal medicine, 172(6), 519-521.
Hannum, S. M., & Erdman Jr, J. W. (2000). Emerging health benefits from cocoa and chocolate. Journal of Medicinal Food, 3(2), 73-75.

10 TOP FOODS FOR DIGESTIVE CLEANSING + JUICING FOR NUTRIENT EFFICIENCY

(Written by: Glenn Taylor)

Detoxifying might be your thing, or you may just prefer experimenting with a lot of fruits and veggies by chopping and blending them, in either case, these healthy juicing recipes will help you gain nutrition and rid your body of toxins. 

1.    Ultimate Green Juice
This is one of the most nutritious juices that you can have. The main ingredient is celery which is known as a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in calcium, potassium, amino acids, phosphorous, magnesium, and folic acid. Also, it is a great alkalinizing agent that you can consume on a daily basis or on alternative days. You can also add lemon, green apple, ginger, lime, and kale to make a very strong detoxification juice. 

2.    Apple Juice
Apple juice is one of the most common juicing ingredients, both sweet and sour, which is a very tempting combination. Apples are loaded with a lot of natural goodness as well; containing small amounts of Vitamin B and C, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorous, and calcium. Apple juice is very effective in cleansing and detoxifying the colon.

3.    Beet, Apple, and Blackberry Juice
Beet and blackberry juice is a natural and powerful blood cleanser and is also highly nutritious. It is rich in manganese, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and folate. You can also add ginger and apple to this mixture making a deep red and appetizing juice.  

4.    Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is full of nutrients and is also very effective in cleansing your colon. Having a glass of lemon juice in the morning can help you cleanse off all the toxins that might have built up in your body at night. It also has an alkalinizing effect on the body. 

5.    Wild Spiced Dandelion Berry Bliss Juice
Pulpy juices are considered as more beneficial and delicious. For this recipe you can take strawberries, raspberries, a small chilly, some dandelion leaves, ginger and some drops of alcohol free liquid stevia. This delicious elixir contains not only nutrients but is also a powerful detox. 

6.    Green Coconut Detoxing Refresher
Coconut water contains probiotics and is a rich source of electrolytes and potassium. For this recipe you will need young Thai coconut, a handful of spinach, half a banana and some green kale. This drink will aid in the digestion and will also create a detoxing effect. This will also boost up your immunity as your body will replenish its source of electrolytes.  

7.    Tropical Paradise Juice
This juice is made by crushing a seedless papaya with some pineapple, ginger, kiwi, and some coconut water, all blended together. This delicious elixir will boost up your digestive system and will also help you get rid of all the toxins that might have built up while you were asleep. 

8.    Avocados
Avocados are also one of the many great options for improving digestion and detoxification. They contain a lot of fiber. The soluble fibers lower the blood cholesterol and the insoluble ones improve the healthy bowel movement. You can juice them up by adding some lemons and apple.

9.    Herbal Drink
This herbal drink contains Fuji apples, spring cilantro, fresh ginger, basil leaves, and fresh large limes. It’s an exotic drink that can help you greatly in cleansing or detoxing your system. 

10.    Bitter
We all need some bitter greens to boost up our digestive systems; hence the name bitter. The digestive juices are really responsive to bitter greens and gets all fired up. For this drink you can add all the greens like kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bitter roots. To sweeten and spice up this juice, you can add apples and bell peppers.
..........................................................................................................................................

For more information about the topic in this article, please visit http://www.phountainmedia.com. The Phountain Lifestyle and all written materials are copyright © 2015 Phountain Franchise Inc. All Rights Reserved.

References
Calbom, C., & Calbom, J. (2014). Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life: Unleash the Healing Power of Fresh Juices and Cleansing Diets. Hachette UK.
Hall, L. (2011). Fresh Fruit Cleanse: Detox, Lose Weight and Restore Your Health with Nature's Most Delicious Foods. Ulysses Press.
Yabsley, C., & Cross, A. (2001). Miracle Juices: 60 Juices for a Healthy Life. Creative Publishing International.