Dr. Weil | What is Agave Nectar?

Agave (pronounced uh-GAH-vay) nectar, once available only in natural foods stores, is now sold in supermarkets and other mainstream retail outlets. This natural sweetener comes from several species of desert plants native to the Americas that store energy in the form of a sweet-tasting carbohydrate called inulin. Agave nectar is produced by expressing the juice from the core, then filtering, heating and treating it with natural enzymes to convert the inulin to sugars.
As a sweetener, agave nectar ranks relatively low on the glycemic load scale. Although it provides as many calories as sucrose (table sugar), it is much sweeter, so you can use less of it - say one-quarter of a cup to substitute for one cup of sugar in most recipes. I like the pleasant, neutral taste of agave nectar and use it as my main sweetener, although I don't use sweeteners very often, and when I do, I use only small amounts - no more than a tablespoon or two a week.

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Dr. Oz | The Healing Power of Cranberries

The Healing Power of Cranberries    (click this link to watch Dr. Oz in a video about cranberries)

They're good for your heart, teeth, digestive system and overall health. Loaded with antioxidants and packed with nutrients, new science proves that cranberries are one of the smartest foods you can eat. Click here for a healthy cranberry dinner recipe.

Andreas Moritz | Drinking water - the greatest therapy of all

Dehydration is perhaps the most common, yet largely unrecognized problem prevalent in modern societies today. Alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks have become the primary choice for satisfying thirst, especially among the younger generations. The principal effect of these beverages, however, is to remove water - the most important and precious resource in the body - from the blood, cells and organs. Drinking enough fresh water is an essential prerequisite for avoiding disease and slowing the aging process. Anyone who is healthy and wants to stay that way needs to drink about 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of fresh water each day. This will ensure that the 60-100 trillion cells in the body receive their daily-needed ration of water in order to maintain efficient digestion, metabolism and waste removal. Children may need to drink 4-6 glasses of water per day, depending on how physically active they are.

Suggestions

• Start the day by drinking one glass of warm water to end the ‘drought’ of the night and remove accumulated wastes from the excretory organs. As previously mentioned, this can be followed by a glass of warm water with lemon and honey. 

• About half an hour before each meal, drink one glass of water. Doing this will keep your blood thin and thereby enable it to take up nutrients and distribute them to the cells. The water also helps increase the secretion of digestive juices and prevents bile from becoming too viscous. Drinking a lot of water or other beverages with your meal, however, dilutes the digestive juices.  This should be avoided because it undermines the digestive process.

• Following a meal, the blood uses up a considerable amount of water to distribute nutrients to the cells and can, therefore, become water deficient quite quickly. Drinking another glass of water approximately 2 ½ hours after each meal restores the blood’s water requirements.

   These simple guidelines can help prevent the most serious major diseases that are prevalent in modern societies today. Drinking sufficient amounts of water at the right times can and should be part of every other therapy used in the treatment of disease.

A note of caution: Any attempt to restore the proper state of hydration of the body should be made gradually. otherwise this may cause serious harm. A dehydrated person, that is, someone who has not taken the minimum required amount of water for several weeks, months or years, and/or has depleted the cells of excessive amounts of water by consuming caffeine or sugar-containing foods or beverages for a considerable length of time, is susceptible to becoming ill. During dehydration, the body’s cells are no longer able to function efficiently. To protect themselves against further loss of water, they make their membranes less penetrable to water diffusion by pulling in extra amounts of fats, including cholesterol. This survival mechanism, however, also prevents metabolic waste from leaving the cells, causing them to suffocate in their own waste. Some of the cells, in order to survive in this toxic environment, may eventually need to undergo genetic mutation and become cancerous.

During the state of dehydration, the kidneys hold on to water and so does the rest of the body. At this point many people start craving and overeating salt or salty foods because the body needs more salt to hold on to the little water it has left. This, however, causes the kidneys to contract and filter even less water than before. Urine becomes more and more concentrated and scarce. In this condition of extreme dehydration, it would be unwise to suddenly start drinking even the recommended 6-8 glasses per day of water. Since the cells have created a barrier in order to save water, they are in no position to absorb a quantity of water to which they have become unaccustomed, all at once. The water would simply stagnate outside the cells and lead to water retention and weight gain. Given these circumstances, the kidneys are not able to filter much of it, and urine will remain scarce.  Any sudden intake of large amounts of water can indeed cause severe lymph congestion, swelling, and in some cases, even death. The effect would be water intoxication, a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside of safe limits by a very rapid intake of water. The transition from a state of severe dehydration to improved hydration should be very gradual and is best monitored by a health practitioner who knows the basics of water metabolism. 

 Go directly to Andreas Moritz website

Dr. Weil | 6 easy ways to go veggie!

I have long advised people to eat less animal protein as a way to lower their intake of saturated fats and avoid environmental toxins. If you need some ideas to get your family or yourself started on a lifestyle that reduces or eliminates animal protein, try the following:

1. Use meat as a side dish, not as the entree.
2. Prepare familiar meatless meals such as bean burritos and pasta salads.
3. Go meatless gradually. Start with meatless breakfasts and then incorporate meatless lunches as well.
4. Substitute fresh vegetables for meat in recipes. Vegetarian chili can be just as delicious as the meat-based version.
5. Try meat substitutes. Tempeh, wheat meat (gluten) and whole soy products such as tofu or edamame can be as satisfying as meat, and are good sources of vegetable protein.
6. Try new types of cuisine. Many ethnic cuisines offer meat-free dishes; you may not miss the meat when you have new flavors to entice you!

Recipes for Veggie Lovers
Not a meat-eater? Try Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging. Over 200 anti-inflammatory recipes focus on vegetables and plant-based protein, for delicious and satisfying meals without the meat. Start your 14-day free trial now and save 30% when you join!

Go directly to Dr. Weil website

Chopra Center | FREE online 21 day meditation course!!

Join us over the coming days for a powerful journey that will change your life. Guided by master meditation teacher and dean of  Chopra Center University – davidji – you will learn practical techniques for becoming more calm, centered, and happy – even in the midst of life's inevitable pressures and stress.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, if you want to harness the transformative energy of meditation to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve focus or connect to your inner wisdom, this is an exceptional opportunity to learn with a master in the comfort of your surroundings.

Studies have shown that it takes 21 days of consistent behavior to change a habit or create a new one, such as establishing a regular exercise routine, eating a healthier diet, or taking time each day for self-care. In just 21 days, you can also establish a fulfilling meditation practice that will give you a lifetime of rewards. You may have dipped your toe in the water with limited success, but this time, you will have daily support and guidance that will enable you to move beyond any past obstacles and experience the many gifts and benefits of meditation.

To sign up (yes, it really is for free!) click here and you will be redirected to the Chopra website.

Andreas Moritz | Heal yourself with the sun

The time when one's immediate natural impulse on the first sunny spring day was to get outside and enjoy it is long gone. Only the very courageous or "careless" who defy the grim warnings from medical mandarins and cancer specialists, wholeheartedly endorsed by the sunscreen industry, dare to venture forth into the "dangerous" sun. Unless they are covered head to toe with sun protection factor (SPF) 60, they gamble with their lives, or so they are made to believe, by those who serve their own vested interests. Fortunately, this view is beginning to crumble in the blatant absence of scientific proof that sunlight causes disease. What is being discovered instead is that lack of sun exposure is one of the greatest risk factors for disease. Very few people know that not getting enough sun kills 50,000 people from cancer deaths every year in the US alone. As shown later, these are deaths that are easily preventable through the Vitamin D produced by the body in response to regular sun exposure.

Click here to read full article on Andreas Moritz website 

Isha Lerner | free online tarot reading (beautiful cards and wisdom! I looovvvve this!)

Be sure to bookmark Isha Lerners website! Whenever there is something (isn't there always something?!) going on in your life, go to Isha Lerners website and get an online tarot reading. It is very easy and for free. The cards, texts and insights are truly beautiful and amazing. I have been doing this for years now and every time I am touched how accurate and wise the readings are for me.

Hurry! go! I absolutely love this! Make sure to check out the rest of her website too. It is also possible to purchase the cards and workbook, flower essences and much more.

http://www.ishalerner.com/home/is1/readings_main.html

Dan Millman | find out what your life purpose is based on your birth numbers. Shockingly accurate!

I love many of Dan Millmans books. I will show youmy favorites at the bottom of this blog. One of the books is about Life purpose. Based on your birth numbers. I don't know how it works, but I sure do know that it is right on the spot time and time again! Amazing.

Click here to go to Dan Millmans website and get your life purpose numbers online!


And these are my favorite books written by Dan Millman:

Tara Stiles | slim, calm and sexy yoga; yoga is for everyone!

Dr Weil; Breast cancer and Air Pollution

Breast Cancer and Air Pollution
Here's another noteworthy study from Canada: this one may show a possible link between breast cancer risk and air pollution. Researchers from McGill University Health Centre mapped air pollution in Montreal by monitoring levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a by-product of vehicular traffic. The investigators then charted the home addresses of women diagnosed with post-menopausal breast cancer in 1996-97. The maps indicated that breast cancer incidence was higher in areas where air pollution was higher. What's more, they saw that the risk of breast cancer increased by about 25 percent with every increase of NO2 by five parts per billion. The conclusion: women living in the areas with the highest levels of pollution were almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer as those living in the least polluted areas. The researchers stressed that NO2 itself doesn't cause breast cancer. It is only a "marker" for all the other pollutants associated with automobile traffic. While the study doesn't prove that air pollution causes breast cancer, it certainly suggests a need for further investigation.

Alicia Keys | When someone sings from their heart, their song is always heard.

My Dear Friends and Family,
I am so blessed and excited to bring a new life into the world. Like everyone has been telling me it is truly an experience like NO other! I am in awe every day! I wanted to pay tribute to this honor by sharing with you a story that I hope you will read to the children in your life from time to time. It is just a small, humble way of thanking all of you for your continued love and support as I begin this new part of my journey.
With love,
Alicia
Nahray and the Golden Sparrow
Once upon a time, deep in the eastern forest of the great North Woods, there lived a family who possessed special gifts that allowed them to live as one with their natural surroundings providing them with everything they needed.
Cenna, the mother, possessed the gift of growing all the plants and flowers of the forest. Denko, the father, who could not see, possessed the gift of making anything from wood. Thea, the oldest child, possessed the gift of making all sorts of wonderful foods from the herbs and vegetables that grew in the forest and their youngest child, Nahrayy, did not possess any special gifts, but was loved and cared for by the family just the same. Although Nahray knew and felt the love, there were also many moments of sadness. Many times Nahray would walk alone in the forest thinking about and searching for a special gift.
One day while returning from the forest, Nahray heard what sounded like a strange, and frightening melody coming from the trees. Looking up high above on a branch, the child noticed a tiny wing flapping. Quickly standing directly underneath the branch watching carefully as it continued to flutter while singing this very sad song. Straining to look even closer to see just how hurt the little creature really was, Nahray noticed small, shiny, golden tips at the end of the tiny bird’s wings. Nahray knew that the young bird would not live if it fell from the tree but was too afraid to climb that high. With raised arms and opened hands forming a small cup Nahray shouted a promise up to the little bird, “Come on little one, jump, I will catch you!” Suddenly, the young bird stopped fluttering it’s wing and then fell helplessly from the branch all the way down into cupped hands.
At first Nahray thought that the great fall might’ve killed the tiny creature, but surprisingly and with a sigh of relief, the young bird moved it’s good wing ever so slightly as a sign of life. “You are very lucky I came along when I did,” Nahray told the tiny bird before placing it in a bright red hat then quickly returned home to show everyone the small creature that was safely rescued.
“Look,” Nahray announced to the family, “this little bird fell out of a tree right into my hands. Can I keep it?”
“This is a very special bird, Nahray, and you must understand that you have asked to do something very important and quite serious, ” advised Mother Cenna, “What’s that?” Nahray asked. “Are you willing to accept the responsibilities of caring for the precious life of a baby sparrow that you have brought from the forest?” mother asked. “Oh yes,” replied Nahray, looking carefully at the Sparrow. “I will do everything I can to save it.”
Nahray’s family decided that they would help their youngest nurse the tiny Sparrow back to good health and return it to the forest. “I will build a small house out of wood to keep it warm,” said Denko the father. “I will make a soft, comfortable nest from the flower pedals in our garden for the Sparrow to sleep in,” added Cenna, the mother. “And I will make very special food using seeds from the flowers and berries,” smiled Thea, the Eldest.
By the next day, the little sparrow was resting in a small wooden cage with soft pedals from roses and daffodils as its bed, with a thimble of seeds to eat at its side. A few days passed when Nahray noticed that not only was the wing of the baby Sparrow not getting better but also it had not eaten any of its food. A few more days passed and the sparrow grew weaker. “I’ve done everything I know how to help the sparrow, Mother,” Nahray sadly exclaimed. “Why is it not getting better?” “Remember Nahray, you have taken a creature of the forest away from its natural place amongst the trees,” the mother reminded. “You have placed it in a cage and fed it strange food. Perhaps you have given it everything but the one thing that it needs,” Nahray’s mother advised. “What shall I do, and where will I find the thing that will make the sparrow well again?” asked Nahray. “Perhaps the answer lies in the forest where you found it,” mother answered.
So the next day, Nahray went into the forest to seek the medicine that might heal the young sparrow.
Walking along, Nahray once again heard a familiar sound, only this time it seemed to be stronger and more musical. Looking up into the sky, Nahray noticed several sparrows circling above the trees making flowing golden circles painted by the tips of their wings. Nahray began to listen more carefully to their dream-like musical sounds that seemed to have an almost human voice. The sparrows slowly drifted downward toward Nahray sitting on a branch directly above. Nahray noticing the beautiful gold tips at the end of their feathers asked, “Who are you?” One of the sparrows flew down further and landed on the smallest branch closest to the ground. The sparrow looked, then smiled inviting Nahray to come closer to the tree. Just at the moment Nahray’s hand touched the trunk of the tree, something magical happened. Nahray realized that the voices of the sparrows were now understandable. As Nahray looked up into the tree, the largest sparrow spoke in a soft, musical tone. “We are the sparrows from the Southern Shores. Not long ago we were flying north when we lost one of our youngest. Have you seen it?” sang the sparrow. “Yes, it was very small and it fell from a tree just like this one,” explained Nahray. “I caught it with my hands and I took it home so that I could heal it’s wing, but nothing seems to help and I’m afraid it might not live,” added Nahray. The family of sparrows looked at one another then at Nahray. “It is listening for our voices,” said one of the sparrows. “There is magical healing power in the song we sing,” another sparrow added. “Can you teach me your song?” Nahray asked. “Yes,” one of the sparrow’s answered, “but you must sing it each morning as the sun rises for the next three days,” insisted the sparrow. With eyes closed Nahray leaned against the tree as the sparrow’s voices created a beautiful melody that seemed to include all the sounds of the forest. When the singing stopped, Nahray returned home and went directly to the baby sparrow’s cage. The tiny bird was hardly breathing, so Nahray stayed up all night watching over it, waiting eagerly for the sun to rise. The next morning, as the first rays of the sun began to light the morning sky, Nahray moved very close to the cage and began to sing the melody learned from the family of golden sparrows. As Nahray continued to sing, the baby sparrow began to show signs of life by moving its tiny wings. Cenna entered Nahray’s room and heard the wonderful music. “Where did you learn such beautiful music?” the mother asked. “From the magic sparrows in the forest, Mother. This baby sparrow belongs to them,” Nahray explained. The Mother smiled then invited Nahray to join the family for breakfast. While sitting at the table, Nahray informed the rest of the family of the task that would save the young sparrow. “It is a blessing to know the voices of the Golden Sparrows,” stated Denko, “but you have promised to come with me into the forest tomorrow so that I may gather the special wood I need and I must have you to mark the way,” the father reminded Nahray.
“But father,” cried Nahray, “that may take too long. If I am not back by sunrise, the baby sparrow may not live. I must sing the song I learned from his family for one more sunrise to make him well again. Besides, I made a promise,” Nahray informed his father. “You also made a promise to me before you found the baby sparrow and I expect you to keep it,” insisted Denko .
After breakfast, Nahray sat at the table sad and worried. “What should I do Mother?” Nahray asked. “I promised the Magic Sparrows that I would sing when the sun rises to save their baby, but if I go with Father, I may not be back in time to sing on the sunrise of the third day,” Nahray pleaded. “This is part of the responsibility I told you about the day you brought home the baby sparrow,” exclaimed Cenna. “You must realize that by reaching out to help others in distress, even with the purest of heart, you must be sure that you can really help or you could wind up doing greater harm by not being prepared to follow through,” she added.
The next morning at sunrise, before heading into the forest with his father, Nahray sang the same melody and the tiny sparrow showed even more signs of life and began to eat a small amount of its food. As Nahray and Denko walked along, holding hands and marking the way with small strips of brightly colored cloth, Nahray could not help worrying about the baby sparrow and the shame of breaking a promise to his family. When Nahray and Denko stopped to rest and eat, Nahray’s thoughts turned to that of running back to the house and leaving the father in the woods alone, but realized that doing such a bad thing would only make things much worse. At the place in the forest where the special wood could be found, Nahray watched as Denko carefully touched the different shapes of wood selecting only the most special pieces he felt he would need. “We will camp here for the night Nahray, then leave at sunrise,” said Denko.That night as Denko slept, Nahray thought again of leaving Denko alone in the forest, knowing that it would be easy to find the way back before sunrise using the cloth marker trail that was made. Just as the light of the campfire had died down to just a slight glow, Nahray slowly and carefully slipped from underneath the blanket. Standing by a tree and looking in the direction of the house, Nahray took the first steps. The sound from the snap of a large twig underfoot woke Father. “Nahray, is that you?” the father asked. “Yes father, I was just going to place some more wood on the fire,” mumbled Nahray. “Come back to your blanket, it is cold, “ the father ordered. Nahray reluctantly returned to the blanket and ever so quietly cried until sleep came. At sunrise the next morning, while packing up the pieces of wood, Denko noticed Nahray was leaning against a tree, looking in the direction of their house, then watched his child climb on top of a large stone. “What are you doing now Nahray?” ask the father. “I’m ashamed that I did not keep my promise and afraid that the baby sparrow will die.” Nahray sadly replied. “Then you should sing just the same. It will make you feel better that at least you tried,” Denko assured. As the sun became slightly brighter Nahray began to sing with all of his heart, the melody learned from the sparrows.Then Nahray and Denko packed the rest of their belongings and returned home through the forest. As Nahray and Denko neared the house, a familiar sound came from above. Looking up at the sky and seeing only the sun that, by now, had risen high above the trees, Nahray at first imagined that the sounds were simply musical echoes made from the guilt and shame of not keeping the promise to the Golden Sparrow family. But as the sight of their house began to take shape, Nahray could see that Mother was carrying something in her hand that seemed to sway from side to side. Nahray’s heart began to race with joy and excitement as the sight of the birdcage became ever more clear. Nahray rushed to meet Cenna eagerly wanting to hold the small wooden house where a tiny musical sound from the baby Sparrow could be heard. The melody filled Nahray with a kind of happiness never known before. “Look father,” Nahray shouted, “my little sparrow lives and sings as well!” laughed Nahray. “Then perhaps it is time to return it to the place where you found it,” smiled Denko.
So Nahray took the cage and raced into the forest to the place where the baby sparrow was first spotted. As Nahray approached the tree, what seemed to be a chorus of voices coming from not only the tree, but from everywhere in the forest, filled the air. There sitting on the branch were the Golden Sparrows who seemed to smile as Nahray opened the small cage releasing their youngest and now healthy member of the family. “I have to tell you,” Nahray stated with head bowed. “I did not keep my promise. I only sang to your baby sparrow two of the mornings.” “That is true,” stated the largest of the sparrows. “But on the third morning as the sun began to rise in the sky, we heard your voice as you sang with all your heart from deep in the forest,” stated the sparrow. “How is that possible?” asked Nahray. “When someone sings from their heart, their song is always heard,” the sparrow assured Nahray. Nahray smiled while watching the baby sparrow cuddle close to one of the other members of its family. “Perhaps when our youngest is a bit stronger, we will return one day to visit and teach you a new song,” smiled the largest sparrow. “It will be our way of thanking you for respecting the forest and all of the lives within it,” the sparrow added. The baby sparrow looked down at Nahray and smiled while singing a few soft musical notes. “Goodbye little sparrow,” said Nahray waving goodbye and watching the family of Golden Sparrows as they flew up into the clouds.
The next day Nahray returned to the forest and the tree where the baby sparrow was first seen. Nahray sat under the tree and soon several creatures from the forest gathered around him, listening as the story of the Golden Sparrows, told as only the youngest child with a special gift could..with a song.

Go to Alicia Keys website

Dr Weil | Eat vegetable based meals often

Last Friday's healthy diet resolution was to replace more animal foods with vegetable protein. While I strongly encourage that you do eat more beans and whole soy products, remember that meals don't have to be built around proteins - vegetables are another great option. Vegetable soups, casseroles, salads, chili, sandwiches, stews, kabobs, pasta sauces - the list of veggie-friendly meals goes on and on. Meals that are meat-based can almost always be tweaked to become meat-free or heavier on vegetables than meat. Again, opt for organic produce and eat a variety of colors.
Vegetables, at the base of my Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid, should be the most-consumed food group in your diet. 4-5 servings is the minimum: Eat as many phytochemical-rich servings as you want!

Reflections on Dharma by Deepak Chopra

Dharma is much more than one’s career or focus of activity in life. Dharma is the unstoppable force of evolution in the cosmos that impels everything forward
toward self-awareness. Everyone has a purpose or dharma. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t exist at all. You don’t need to search the world to find your purpose. The clues lay hidden deep in your heart. Your purpose boils down to what it is that you have to give back to the world, and for that you need to know who you really are, for that is what you have to give. The impact of your life’s gift is not dependent upon your particular personality or specific skills. Who and what you fundamentally are, constitutes your gift to others. In truth, when you find your true Self, you find your love and joy, and you will express that in every thought and action in your life.
Love,
Deepak
Learn more about dharma and the seven  spiritual laws for success  here.


Go directly to the Chopra Center blog.

Paolo Coelho | Closing Cycles

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.
Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.

Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents’ house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened.
You can tell yourself you won’t take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away.

That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home.
Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts – and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place.
Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them.

Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood.
Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the “ideal moment.”
Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life.

Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.

Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.



Go directly to Paulo Coelhos blog

Debbie Ford explains what the shadow effect is.

Debbie's first three books, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Spiritual Divorce and The Secret of the Shadow, are still known as groundbreaking, pioneering work in emotional and spiritual education. They take the reader on amazing journeys into the internal world, laying out the blueprint of the human psyche. They are honest, straightforward and practical. Debbie’s books are used by universities, teachers, lawyers, mediators, and therapists around the world to support others in a true healing of the heart.














Go directly to Debbie Fords website for more information, online courses and video. 

DrWeil on breast cancer, diet and green tea

In the United States, an estimated 182,000 cases of breast cancer occurred among women in the year 2000, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer accounts for 18.5 percent of cancer deaths in women. Fortunately, it is one of the most curable types of cancer when detected at an early stage. Survival rates are continuing to climb as technology advances for early breast cancer detection and intervention. The five-year relative rate of survival for localized breast cancer has increased from 72 percent to 96 percent over the past 60 years. Early detection with a mammogram - which should be performed annually for women over 40 – has been key to successful early detection and treatment.

Diet plays a role in prevention. American women have five times the risk of developing breast cancer as Japanese women who consume a traditional Japanese diet. Second- and third-generation Japanese-American women who adopt a typical American diet have almost the same incidence of breast cancer as other American women. And a Westernized diet in Japan is now causing an increase in breast cancer among women there.

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Here are some lifestyle measures for prevention:

• Get active. Regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes on most days, has been shown to be protective against breast cancer. This may be because it results in weight loss and decrease in body fat; therefore, it lowers circulating estrogen levels.
• Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. We are exposed to a large number of synthetic chemical compounds that have estrogen-like activity. These include common pesticides, industrial pollutants and hormone residues in meat, poultry and dairy products. While the research on their link with breast cancer is conflicting, we recommend limiting exposure as much as you can. Choosing hormone-free dairy and animal products and organic produce is a good start.
• Early detection is key. Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a health care professional every three years in addition to conducting a self-examination every month. If you are 40 years of age or older, annual breast exams and mammograms are recommended. Your physician may request one at an earlier age if you display other risk factors.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Pay close attention to your diet. The original thought that breast cancer risk increased with a high-fat diet may have been too simple. There are several factors that we now believe are more closely associated with risk.
• Choose fats wisely. Studies have shown that women with a higher intake of olive oil have less breast cancer. Omega-3 fats, found in cold-water fish (especially wild salmon and sardines), freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts have also been associated with inhibiting the growth of breast tumors.
• Eat generous amounts of vegetables and fruit, which are loaded with cancer-protective phytochemicals. Our recommendation is 8 to 10 servings a day.
• Use freshly ground flaxseed or other sources of fiber every day. Diets that are high in fiber - lignins specifically – seem to increase the excretion of estrogen or modify the metabolism of estrogen and reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Eat more soy. There has been some recent discussion on the possible negative effect of soy on risk of breast cancer, especially hormone receptor positive forms of the disease. Although the isoflavones in soy do have a mild estrogenic effect (they are able to bind to estrogen receptor sites in human tissue), soy foods also contain many cancer-protective substances. For this reason, and also because population studies have failed to show a relationship between soy consumption and increased risk of breast cancer, we recommend one serving of whole soy foods a day.
• Make green tea your beverage of choice. Green tea consumption is linked with lower incidence of many kinds of cancer.
• Drink very little, if any, alcohol. Alcohol consumption, even in modest amounts, is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.
• Take a multivitamin with folic acid, vitamin D and antioxidants. All these nutrients have been shown to be related to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Although the diet should be the primary source of most of these, a good daily supplement can help provide insurance that your intake is adequate.

Also, I highly recommend the book Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love (Penstokes Press, 2011), by Robert Pendergrast, M.D., who teaches at the Medical College of Georgia and is a graduate of the Fellowship at the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine, which I founded in 1994. It's a clear, scientifically validated compendium of what to eat, and what to avoid, to lower your risk of breast cancer.  

Blog by DrWeil. Go directly to orginal blog.