Your Health is Your Responsibility Part 3

When it comes to your health, you don't owe anybody anything. Other people's health is NOT your responsibility and likewise your health should never be someone else's responsibility (unless you are somehow incapacitated, in which case hopefully you have discussed your preferences for your care with someone you trust). Why do I say this? Well keep reading. 

In the summer of 2015 I started my journey of eating better. I was about to get married and wanted to make sure I looked great on my wedding day. Since then I have used food as a tool, not to lose weight or look good, but to make sure my body is nourished and supported. I studied prenatal nutrition as part of my doula certification and have since started learning about herbalism, holistic care and nutrition as well. I have spent countless hours researching and I try to make sure I am buying nutrient dense foods or high quality food-based supplements whenever I am unable to get the proper amount of nutrients needed through food. I have taken the time and energy to make my health my top priority. 

So imagine the shock when someone who knows literally nothing about me or my health tells me that I am a health threat to them. Imagine the shock when they bully and harass me for not complying to their idea of what health looks like. Health is not and will never be a one size fits all response. What may work for someone else, may not work for me and vice versa. I do what is best for my health. 

Ultimately, what I am trying to say is that the only person responsible for your health is YOU. Not the stranger in the grocery aisle next to you, not your doctor, not a scientist in a lab mixing up an antigen with aborted fetal cells. If you want make sure that your body can fight off the bacteria and viruses that it will be exposed to (because we are all exposed to trillions of germs around us every single day) and you want to make sure your immune system is functioning at it's most optimum level, it is your job to put in the work, do the research, eat the foods, drink the water, take the herbs or whatever else you feel is best for your body. Your health is your responsibility.

I know it may feel overwhelming, but you aren't in this alone. You can certainly have discussions with others and include others in the decision making process about what is best for your body. Talk to your doctor, get a nutritional panel done to see what you are deficient in, meet with a nutritionist, if your doctor's view of medicine is solely prescribing pills to cover a symptom get a new doctor or see a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor, consult a chiropractor, talk to your local farmer about the foods they grow and how they grow them, talk to your local grocery store manager to find out where their produce comes from. But ultimately any decision on what you do or eat is your decision. 

Although my main focus is on nutrition from food, the same "your health is your responsibility" saying can be said about medical procedures and treatments. Medical error is the 3rd leading cause of death in US. Blindly following our current medical system has killed hundreds of thousands of people. People who put the responsibility of their health in the hands of their doctors are paying the price. I am not saying to never go to the doctor. There are some amazing doctors out there who truly care for their patients. If I fall and break my ankle or get into a car accident you bet I'll be seeing a doctor, but to never seek a second opinion, to not do research on suggested medications or procedures, to not play an active part in your healthcare is foolish. I believe that most doctors generally care about their patients and most doctors get into the profession wanting to help others, in my opinion it isn't doctors that are failing, it's the medical system as a whole that is failing both patients and doctors. 

To sum it all up, eat the nutritious foods, pay attention to your body's needs, seek second or third opinions if something doesn't feel or sound right, do your own research on what doctors are recommending you, but most importantly make your health your top priority. If everyone in America focused on their own health in these ways, our rates of chronic illness, hospitalization, disease, medical error, death, etc. wouldn't look quite as grim. 

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Your Health is Your Responsibility Part 2

To continue with celebrating what I deemed "health month" here on my blog, I'd like to talk to you about cigarettes and pharmaceutical companies. No, I am no trying to sell you a nicotine patch. 

What if I told you right now that Camel cigarettes are the most preferred brand of cigarettes among doctors today. What if I told you a recent medical study showed that there was no adverse effects on the nose, throats and sinuses of those who smoke Chesterfield cigarettes. You'd call me crazy right?! Well in the 1930's-1940's these ads ran daily in America for all to see and to influence the minds of Americans everywhere. Tobacco companies strategically used people's trust in doctors and the medical system to sell their brand of cigarettes. They knew that doctors were held up in society as being well educated and trustworthy, so if they could convince people that doctors use and trust their brand of cigarettes, they would sell more of their cigarettes. And guess what? It worked! 

Before the 1950's there wasn't much data on cigarettes being bad for you. That is because they didn't do the necessary studies, and when they DID do the studies, it was like the "study" mentioned in this Chesterfield advertisement "A medical specialist is making regular bi-monthly examinations of a group of people from various walks of life. 45 percent of this group have smoked Chesterfield for an average of over ten years. After ten months, the medical specialist reports that he observed... no adverse effects on the nose, throat and sinuses of the group from smoking Chesterfield." Now that sounds legit right. This medical specialist looking at a wide variety of people who are smoking and find no adverse effects. So marvelous, it definitely proves that Chesterfield is THE brand to smoke if you don't want any adverse health effects. Except when these claims were being questioned and people became skeptical the pressure was on. These ads continued to run for almost 30 years despite growing evidence that smoking cigarettes was NOT safe and DID cause many adverse reactions. Unfortunately many, some of my family members included, lost their lives due to the trust they had in these cigarettes. Lung cancer makes up around 25% of all deaths, and around 480,000 deaths annually are caused by cigarettes (including second hand smoke). 

Perhaps even more alarming was how these ads were targeting specific groups of people, including young people and pregnant women. Now this is where I may start to lose some of you, but in my own observations I see the pharmaceutical companies doing the exact same thing with vaccines. Yikes, right? Pharmaceutical companies are taking a play directly out of the tobacco companies playbook. I know to someone who hasn't dove into this rabbit hole that may seem insane, but stay with me. Both tobacco companies and pharmaceutical companies advertise their vaccinations and created a vaccination schedule for the most "vulnerable" of our population (young people and pregnant women), they use doctors and the medical system to gain your trust, they gaslight, silence and censor anyone who dares question them and they make billions (if not trillions) of dollars doing so. Profits over people, every. single. time. 

Perhaps what scares me the most about pharmaceutical companies is their criminal history. Pfizer alone has paid out billions (pocket change for them) for lawsuits against them (more details on their lawsuits later), Johnson and Johnson have been involved in numerous lawsuits for their carcinogenic baby powder they kept on the market for decades despite the evidence and lawsuits against them, Merck reached a $4.85 billion lawsuit for their drug Vioxx when they failed to disclose known risks of the drug including death, GlaxoSmithKline paid out billions of dollars for promoting Paxil, Wellbutrin, Advair, Lamictal, and Zofran for off-label and non-covered uses, in addition to paying kickbacks to physicians for prescribing those drugs and there are so many more. There is not a single pharmaceutical company on the planet who has not been involved in criminal activity. 

Let's look specifically at Pfizer for a second since they are one of the major suppliers of the SARS-CoV-2 shot. The following section is taken directly from a Matthews & Association article highlighting just a small amount of the lawsuits Pfizer 

"Here’s a brief glimpse of Pfizer’s track record for safety and ethics. This is a short list, by no means inclusive of the company’s entire rap sheet.

•Pfizer received the biggest fine in U.S. history as part of a $2.3 Billion plea deal with federal prosecutors for mis-promoting medicines (Bextra, Celebrex) and paying kickbacks to compliant doctors. Pfizer pleaded guilty to mis-branding the painkiller Bextra by promoting the drug for uses for which it was not approved.

•In the 1990s, Pfizer was involved in defective heart valves that lead to the deaths of more than 100 people. Pfizer had deliberately misled regulators about the hazards. The company agreed to pay $10.75 Million to settle justice department charges for misleading regulators. 

 

•Pfizer paid more than $60 Million to settle a lawsuit over Rezulin, a diabetes medication that caused patients to die from acute liver failure. 

 

•In the UK, Pfizer has been fined nearly €90 Million for overcharging the NHS, the National Health Service. Pfizxer charged the taxpayer an additional €48 Million per year for what should have cost €2 million per year. 

 

•Pfizer agreed to pay $430 Million in 2004 to settle criminal charges that it had bribed doctors to prescribe its epilepsy drug Neurontin for indications for which it was not approved. 

 

•In 2011, a jury found Pfizer committed racketeering fraud in its marketing of the drug Neurontin. Pfizer agreed to pay $142.1 Million to settle the charges. 

 

•Pfizer disclosed that it had paid nearly nearly 4,500 doctors and other medical professionals some $20 Million for speaking on Pfizer’s behalf. 

 

•In 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had reached a $45 Million settlement with Pfizer to resolve charges that its subsidiaries had bribed overseas doctors and other healthcare professionals to increase foreign sales. 

  

•Pfizer was sued in a U.S. federal court for using Nigerian children as human guinea pigs, without the children's’ parents’ consent. Pfizer paid $75 Million to settle in Nigerian court for using an experimental antibiotic, Trovan, on the children. The company paid an additional undisclosed amount in the U.S. to settle charges here. Pfizer had violated international law, including the Nuremberg Convention established after WWII, due to Nazi experiments on unwilling prisoners. 

 

•Amid widespread criticism of gouging poor countries for drugs, Pfizer pledged to give $50 million for an AIDS drug to South Africa. Later, however, Pfizer failed to honor that promise."

As you can see their criminal records are extensive, unethical, immoral and disgusting. This blog's purpose is to promote what a beautiful, wonderful world we live in, but I also need to talk about the realities that not many people want to discuss. The allopathic/western medicine way of treating health is not working, and hasn't been working for a long time. It's time we start to demand transparency and honesty from these companies and the organizations that approve and market these products. 

Science is wonderful and fantastic, but it can also be bought and as proven by these lawsuits, manipulated and fraudulent. I would NEVER tell anyone what medical treatment or procedure to do, however I do advocate for everyone to make their own informed choices on their health. Get multiple opinions, do research on your own and decide what is best for YOU. Do not let a system that profits off of your illness call the shots. Do not feel bullied, harassed or coerced into any medical procedure or treatment. YOU are the only one responsible for your health, so take the role seriously and do what is best for you. 

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, Ephesians 5:29

My Health is My Responsibility

Happy February! I am now deeming February "Health Month" on my blog and will be sharing some of my health tips and my routine. There are plenty of "this is my skin routine" or "here is my hair routine" blogs and youtube videos out there, but I am ready to be a trend setter and share my health routine! Over the last few years I have become very holistically minded as I learn and research more about the human body and health. As I research and discover a lot of great information, I have come to understand the importance of good nutrition, supplementing when you are unable to get the right nutrients from your food, a good night sleep, drinking enough water, etc. and I hope to use this post to give you an idea of what products and herbs I use and trust.

Health is not a one size fits all response, but it IS the responsibility of each individual to do the research and learn what is best for them and advocate for their own health. I am not a healthcare provider and nothing in this post should be considered medical advice, but I encourage you to do your own research and decide what is best for you. 

It's important to know your body and know what nutrients you are getting through food and if you aren't getting enough of a certain nutrient, you may want to consider supplementing. You may notice essential nutrients not on my list, like vitamin C. Vitamin C is also a very vital nutrient for our body especially our immune system. Since I eat a lot of foods high in vitamin C like peppers, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, lemons, thyme, parsley, strawberries and oranges, I do not find that I need to supplement with vitamin C. When possible receiving nutrients through food should be priority, but since it isn't always possible, supplementing is a good alternative. Stay tuned and I'll share more information on supplements below.  

The first health product I use that I want to talk about is herbs, specifically herbal teas. I am so blessed to work close to an AMAZING herb shop full of locally grown herbs, loose leaf teas, tinctures, oils and more! I have teas for all kinds of symptoms, a headache tea, throat coat, hormone balancing, stress relief, etc. When I am in the mood for a hot cup, I'll turn on my electric kettle, pick out the herbal tea blend I want and within a few minutes I have a steamy hot cup of nature's medicine. At the same herb shop I also get a jar of raw honey, the perfect sweet addition to an herbal tea. If you want to receive the benefits of herbs, but aren't a fan of tea, Tinctures are another option. Tinctures are a concentrated extract of the herb, made by soaking parts of the herb in alcohol or vinegar. They come in small bottles but they sure do pack a big punch! No matter how you take your herbs, be sure to research which herbs will most benefit whatever condition you are looking to treat. I highly recommend the book Herbal Medicine For Beginners and if you are a fan of podcast The Holistic Herbalism Podcast is a great listen! 

Next is zinc. Zinc is essential for a healthy, functioning immune system and a zinc deficiency can greatly weaken the immune system while will make you more susceptible to illness. I use zinc in two different ways depending on how I am feeling. On a daily basis I take a liquid form of ion zinc. It's vital to use Ionic Zinc because it inhibits replication by binding to the viral RNA. If I am starting to feel under the weather I might also add zinc tablets with echinacea (an herb that helps treat a common cold) to further support my immune system. However, too much zinc can lower copper stores in the body which is also needed for a healthy immune system, so it's important to have a good balance and not over do it. About 3mL is recommended per day for a health adult, however it may be beneficial to meet with a nutritionist or naturopathic doctor to see what they recommend for you. 

Elderberry is perhaps one of the most popular ways to support your immune system. Elderberry is

high in nutrients like Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that strengthens your body's natural defenses, lowers risk of heart disease, helps prevent iron deficiency and boosts immunity. Elderberry is also high in phenolic acids, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body and anthocyanins which provides anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that Elderberry Syrup can fight the flu, reduce the duration of illness and reduce inflammation. If preparing elderberry syrup at home, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Elderberry has many benefits, but in it's raw form it can cause stomach discomfort. If you want to make your own, I recommend this recipe which also contains ginger, cinnamon, cloves and honey- all of which sweeten the syrup and provide additional nutritional benefits. Personally, I don't take Elderberry every day although during flu season and while colds are viruses are going around it's okay to take daily. I typically drink 1 cup per day for a few days in a row if I am starting to feel sick, or if I've been around people who are sick or have been sick. I might also drink a cup here or there throughout the winter, but I do not drink it on a regular basis. I always just have it on hand and use on an as-needed basis. 

Magnesium is another great mineral to add to your daily healthcare routine as about 50% of people are deficient in Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for cell function, it helps convert food to energy, helps new proteins form from amino acids, helps create and repair DNA & RNA, helps regulate neurotransmitters which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. This study in rodents found that increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines were reported in animals deficient in magnesium, this activated inflammatory response has potentially negative effects on immune health. Magnesium also plays a critical role in mood, having enough magnesium may help fight depression. This study found that for people under 65, low magnesium intake gave you a 22% greater risk of depression. I personally take MegaFood's Calcium & Magnesium since I don't eat a lot of dairy, and calcium is also a very important nutrient. However in the past I've taken it in a spray form and an epsom salt bath is also a great way to absorb Magnesium. 

Another well known nutrient is vitamin D. Vitamin D is most well known for being absorbed by the skin through sunlight- but low levels may also be found in foods like salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, shrimp, egg yolks and mushrooms. Somewhere between 40%-50% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, so if you can't get outside daily or don't like fish, you may want to look into a high quality supplement. In the summer I spend a lot of time outside so I don't worry about supplementation, but in the winter months when it's cold and dreary and it seems like the sun rarely shines, I will do what I can to make sure I am receiving enough vitamin D. Some benefits of vitamin D are that it helps calcium absorption. It also fights disease, has been found to reduce risk of multiple sclerosis, help to reduce likelihood of developing the flu, and it reduces depression (if you suffer from seasonal depression it may be due to vitamin D deficiency) among other benefits. 

Fire Cider is the last thing I want to talk about today. Fire Cider is an ancient folk remedy handed down through many generations that was almost forgotten about until a few decades ago when herbalists started making it again. I don't know if you can ever get used to the taste of fire cider. It's an amazing concoction, and if you make it yourself you can customize it with your own herbs and spices to give it whatever other nutritional benefits you prefer. I buy Shire City Herbals brand which contains Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Oranges, Lemons, Onions, Ginger, Horseradish, Garlic, Turmeric, Habanero Pepper and Black Pepper. It's just as gross as it sounds so have a glass of water nearby to wash it all down, but it's an amazing concoction and a great example of "food as medicine" it contains many foods that are known to combat the cold and flu as well as anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatories. If you are taking it while already sick it will definitely help clear up your sinuses. I currently take the equivalent of one shot per week, and when I am sick I'll take it a little more often. As much as this little bottle tastes terrible, it sure does have incredible benefits!

As far as supplements, there are so many products out there on the market it can be overwhelming to know which brands are best. This post is not to advertise any certain brand but to let you know the products I've been using and that I trust. I do not have any affiliation with any brand on this post and don't make any money from selling supplements. However, I have done a lot of research that points to food based supplements. Take time to research how your supplements are made, where they source from and and if they use any synthetic ingredients or not. Then pick one that you feel comfortable with.

My last thought before I go is to leave you with some references. One of my all time favorite books is Be Your Own Doctor . This book is part of a series with Be Your Own Doctor II and Be Your Child's Pediatrician. Of course in life or death situations you'll want to go to a doctor but these books are an amazing resource for how to treat common ailments like warts, tooth aches, cuts & scrapes, muscles aches, etc. at home. If you are local to me, there is a shop in Honey Brook called "King's Herb Nook" which I HIGHLY suggest. They have these books available (along with many other great resources), but they also have in stock many of the herbs, tinctures and salves that these book discuss. 

I hope you learned something new in this post and I hope it encouraged you to think about the food you eat, the nutrients you are taking in, and how you can make sure your body is supported and thriving. Health is a personal responsibility and it's up to you to do the work. Stay healthy and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am always happy to talk about health and nutrition! 

Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you. Genesis 1:29