Not By Bread Alone

a weighty issue...YIKES!

2007-06-25T12:53:00.000-05:00

Huge weight gains reported by patients on prescription drugs - Independent Online Edition > Health: "Thousands of people who take prescription medicines for everyday conditions are gaining large amounts of weight as an unexpected side effect, scientists have warned. "

...With many of the drugs, weight gain was significant and rapid, according to the researchers. Just how they lead to weight gain varies, and is in some cases unknown. Some, like corticosteroids, increase appetite, while beta-adrenoceptor blockers reduce metabolic rate.

...

"Side effects: Prescription problems

The drugs listed below are prescription medicines implicated in the new research. Each has been identified as possibly being responsible for dramatic weight gain:

Beta-blockers

Used to treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and panic attacks. The drugs block the effects of adrenalin, slowing the heart rate.

Corticosteroids

Generally known as steroids, the drug is used to treat various conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis to stress relief after a trauma or operation.

Olanzapine

Used to treat schizophrenia and manic episodes. Is said to help the patient stay in touch with reality. "

Setting Captives Free

2007-06-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

Setting Captives Free - The Lords Table--Phase I

I'm so excited! I'm back on the journey again. This program is very similar to WD and TW...but it is FREE!

MyMonthlyCycles

2007-06-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

MyMonthlyCycles - Menstrual Calendar, Ovulation Calendar, Fertility Cycles

This is an awesome free site that you can keep track of your monthly cycles...even tracks fertil times for you and can e-mail you reminders. You can also keep your daily symptoms on there. Very cool!

the spot of blessing

2007-06-01T14:11:00.000-05:00

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world

Work hard. Rest enough. Go to no extreme. Eat in a way that agrees with your body. Harbor no passion (but for Him). Remember personal relationships, and make sure being thrifty is balanced with the generous. Be wise, and yet a dove. Be strong, and yet meek. Seek to complete your mission in life but don't run yourself into the ground doing it.

If it seems like time has sped up, ask the Lord to organize your day and slow it down!

To stay at our spot of blessing means paying strict attention to how we regulate our lives -- what we think, how we pray, how we speak, what we expose ourselves to. Evil in any way can throw us off balance -- and cause us to waver from that precious "spot."

what has been going on...

2007-05-30T17:00:00.000-05:00

Sue's questions in the comments below made me realize that I haven't posted much here lately...surprise, surprise...I guess I grabbed my apple and went into hiding...lol.

I have an appointment scheduled with the Cardiologist for sometime in July...arghh...I'm so enthused with this that I don't even remember exactly when it is supposed to be. It's for a consultation and for him to schedule the tilt table test. Since my last post, my train of thought was to not go back on the diet until after I get a proper diagnoses. The Lord has convicted me of the fact that it was just my flesh speaking...but...that doesn't mean that I just rushed into obedience here. Slipping is very fast...getting back up, however...not so fast. God is merciful though and my symptoms have not been awful...a few stomach problems...but overall not too bad. I do know that I need to change things though, I don't want to settle for just 'not bad'...I want GREAT!

why it matters

2007-05-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

Sue...your comment below brought up a good point. I know what I need to do to alleviate this...so why does it matter what 'name' they give to it? For me right now the thing that I'm most concerned with is that this thing runs in families...obviously it is not a concern to me in regards to my children since it isn't my biology that they inherited...but I am concerned for my sisters who have been suffering silently for a lot longer then I have...one of which actually has fainting spells and also for their children. I want a proper diagnosis so that they can take this seriously and not just pass it off as not being important (since that's the message they have been receiving from the medical profession all of their lives)even though it is debilitating to them. I want to be able to tell them what has worked for me and be able to explain why...the 'life changes' that are needed are pretty intensive and having something more concrete then just 'it's good for you' might help all of us to stick to it better. It is important to all of us to have some validation of all that we have endured.

new tests

2007-05-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

My doctor's office just called me a few minutes ago, they are going to be setting up an appointment for me back at the cardiologist...to discusss 'Dysautonomia' with him and have the table tilt test done.

So...we are moving foward with this. Ofcourse, today I feel just horrible...AF is back and I also have a sore throat brewing...arghhh.

I LOVE my doctor

2007-05-23T08:36:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry that I didn't trust her with this before, but better late then never. She just called me from home (today is her day off)to talk to me about my test results. She wants to do further testing. I told her about MVPS and she's going to read more about it and see where to go from here. She was super understanding and didn't brush me off at all. Praise God...I feel some hope about this.

MVP Syndrome

2007-05-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

Mitral Valve Prolapse or MVP Syndrome: "Ninety-eight percent of people with MVP Syndrome have nothing wrong with their heart. The majority of symptoms are caused by an out-of-balance nervous system. "

So it seems that I have lots of company. I had my echocardiogram stress test today and my heart is just fine...yippee! Ofcourse they still can't figure out what IS going on. ARGHHH. I had an 'episode' while on the treadmill and it had the doctor baffled...he pretty much called it a 'panic attack' but went on to say that he's never seen an excercise induced one before. I've had panic attacks before and know what those feel like...they just come on out of the blue and make you feel like you are dying. This is different...I just can't walk up stairs, or hilly streets without getting light headed and breathless...and ofcourse there is a myriad of other symptoms as well. So I guess as far as what doctors have to offer me...I'm back to square one. I just really needed to have what I'm going through validated though...not exactly sure why.

I do need to get back to the no sugar diet and drinking lots of fluids again...that was really helping things.

prayers please

2007-05-14T17:55:00.000-05:00

I'm sliding down a slippery slope again and making lots of bad choices...I really need prayers desperately. PMS is doing me in...I'm out of control.

Day 15

2007-05-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

*A little bit down emotionally today...din't feel like doing my work out today.

*feeling very grumpy...hope it's not pms kicking in early.

*actually had some sugar cravings...so I made a peanut butter and jelly(sugar free) sandwich on whole wheat bread...not bad.

*can't stop going to the bathroom, even though I haven't been drinking as much.

*feeling somewhat overwhelmed...having family over for dinner tomorrow to celebrate Sarah's birthday and I can't get going with any of it.

*Just got word that my echocardiogram and stress test will be on May 22'nd at 11AM.

Day 14

2007-05-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

*I can't believe that it has been two weeks since my 'change of lifestyle'...I feel so much better.

*Saw my doctor today and she was GREAT! I told her what I was doing and that I was feeling good, but that I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't something else going on there...just to keep an eye on it if there were...and she totally agreed with me. She has scheduled me for an echocardiogram and a stress test...then we'll go from there. She also ordered a whole bunch of blood tests to be done...so I had it drawn this morning.

*My exercise tolerance has greatly improved. I just finished doing my Lesley Sansone workout and I actually feel good after it...instead of the usual ready to go into a panic attack or keel over and die.

*I think the main difference with what I'm doing now and what I've tried in the past is that I'm so focused on how it is making MY body feel...instead of whether I'm losing weight or not...or whatever else. I love this little 'taste' of what it is like to feel good (or at least 'normal')...I never want to go back.

*I'm not 'dieting' in the regular sense at all...I'm eating plenty...in fact I even eat at times when I'm not what I would consider really hungry...I think the snacking of healthy foods is keeping my blood sugars balanced or something. I'm sure all the whole grains and nuts must help with my Magnesium depletion too.

Day 12

2007-05-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

*a little bit more tired today...I think there is some hormonal stuff going on...being day 12 probably some pre ovulation hormones, I'm assuming. Some 'yeastie' stuff and 'twinges'...some emotional stuff too and bit more short tempered (for no reason).

*overall still improving though. I can make it all the way up the stairs now and only start getting breathless when I'm at the top (when I stop).

Dirt exposure 'boosts happiness'

2007-05-08T11:57:00.000-05:00

BBC NEWS | Health | Dirt exposure 'boosts happiness'

I knew it! This is why my kids just love playing in the dirt out back...now do you think I get the same benefits from cleaning up after them? LOL.

Lots of dirt around here today...so we should all be pretty happy...right?

just do it...

2007-05-08T06:29:00.000-05:00

"Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but
later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been
trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak
knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not
be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and
the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." ~Hebrews 12:11-14

where in the world...

2007-05-07T14:55:00.000-05:00

Wellington Grey -- Miscellanea -- World obesity

The downside to being the land of abundance I guess.

Day 11

2007-05-07T14:24:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing so many improvements that if it were before, I'd be tempted to cancel my doctor's appointment. However...I'm not going to do it. I still want all the tests done and if everything is ok...then I want to discuss the possibility of getting off the meds.

My next step now is to increase my exercise tolerance. I did the Lesley Sansone DVD again today and actually got through the entire thing...albeit at a slower pace...but hey...whatever it takes.

You may have noticed that I have a new footer with each post...lol. Ok...so I like that little added benefit of this way of eating...and goodness knows that I need to lose the weight...so I figure I'd motivate myself this way.

Healing...

2007-05-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

P5:...In the Presence of God: "Today's Verse

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases ....

Psalm 103:2-3/NIV"

Day 9

2007-05-05T17:41:00.000-05:00

*awesome morning...lots of energy, no dizzyness or mind fog.

*attended a family celebration and was still able to stay on the diet...praise God..even though I didn't get as much water in as when I'm home.

*by the afternoon I was crashing though. The bathrooms at the function hall were in the basement, so after a few trips up and down the stairs with the kids...I had had it, and started having one of my 'episodes' with labored breathing and jitters and all.

*overall...much improved.

*I don't think I've mentioned before how great my bowels are doing with this new way of eating (had to put this last comment in for Sue...LOL). Very regular and much less gassiness...yipeee. I'm also loving my Lactaid milk!

Day 8

2007-05-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

*A bit more energy! I woke up early and even attended the 6:45 AM Mass...it was such a lovely morning and it was so great to get out that early.

*I seem to be able to go up the stairs a little bit easier these days...sometimes I even forget and over do it a little bit and then have to pay for it. I need to reach a good balance.

*I have an awesome and supportive husband (praise God). He took both kids out food shopping yesterday, because I had to back out at the last minute because of some symptoms. A couple of days before that he took both of them to see my dad at the nursing home, while I stayed home and rested from my migraine episode.

*I find that when I'm having some symptoms...taking a nice warm bath helps (not too hot though, because that can send me over the edge too...close to passing out even.)

*I just finished reading 'The Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonimia Survival Guide'...it was alright, but I had already read most of what it had to say online...nothing new. It re-emphasized the importance of proper diet, exercise and 'fluid loading'. It also went into how you can have MVPS without having actual MVP...that was interesting.

*So...overall, I'm confident that I'm on the right path with all of this...the diet and so forth. I really feel God's hand in all of this...guiding me forward.

Doctor's appointment

2007-05-04T12:10:00.000-05:00

I called my doctor and I have an appointment for May 10th at 8AM. I told the receptionist it was about 'anxiety issues'...lol...I didn't want to mention 'heart' or they'd probably have me go to the ER. I got the book 'The Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonomia Survival Guide' and am hoping to get enough information to give to her so that she doesn't look at me like I have two heads. Please say a prayer for me. I'm going to insist on further testing...at least another echocardiogram. She'll probably want to send me back to the cardiologist but I really don't want to go back to the same guy who just put me on meds and that was the end of it.

May God's will be done though.

AN UNTROUBLED HEART

2007-05-04T07:21:00.000-05:00

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me." –John 14:1

Although we will suffer in life, we don't ever have to let our hearts be troubled. We can have hearts which are trouble-free. Even in the worst circumstances, we can have a peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7). To keep our hearts from being troubled, we must have faith in God (Jn 14:1) and take our rightful dwelling places in God's house (Jn 14:2).

This is from today's readings...isn't it awesome? I'm claiming it and giving all of my heart troubles to God.

Heal my heart O, Lord!

2007-05-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

When we humble ourselves -- which means to dispel ego -- we place God first, and this allows Him room to work. There is even a health benefit: the more humble we are, the more even-tempered we become, and better is the chance we have of softening our arteries (which respond to stress), bolstering our immunity, and lowering our blood pressure.

When I said that hardness of spirit could translate into hardness of heart, I recall the example of a friend’s sister. After her husband left her, she took the bitter route, her hatred for him soon growing into a hatred of others – even members of her family.

Her demeanor literally turned hard, expressing itself in a coronary attack that left her with only a quarter of her heart functioning (when she was still only it her thirties). Her heart had grown so hard that it fractured.

read entire story Here

Day 6 and 7

2007-05-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I had a terrible migraine for two days straight. I'm finally done with it today, but I'm so exhausted. They take a lot out of me...similar to an SVT episode for some reason.

The 'diet' is still going well. I really like the Sugar Busters program, it's very healthy and easy to stick with. Just wish that I were feeling some improvement by now.

Diagnose-Me: Condition: Mitral Valve Prolapse

2007-05-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

Diagnose-Me: Condition: Mitral Valve Prolapse

I found the bove article pretty interesting...especially on how it links yeast over growth and migraines to MVP.

I was actually looking for information on Migraines...I'm having another real doozie today and could use some prayers. It's very hard to endure them with two little ones under foot.

By the way, I want to call my doctor to make an appointment for the echocardiogram...but I'm hoping to start feeling a little bit better and want to learn a little bit more about all of this so that the 'medical professionals' (I had originally typed in 'idiots'...I'm so bad)won't put me through the wringer.

Day 5

2007-05-01T13:02:00.000-05:00

*woke up with the beginnings of a migraine. A lot less then what it tends to be though. I think they are hormonal. I also had intense pain of my left buttock...very weird...even the skin felt painful...I hadn't hurt myself in any way though(I had the same thing on my shoulder the other day...hmmm). So...not a feel good type of day at all.

*Still had some shortness of breath episodes...but I really do think it is getting a tiny bit better (or is it hopeful thinking?).

*I took the kids to the playground and they still like to go on the kiddy swings, even though they are fully capable of using the other ones now. The problem is that I need to pick them way up in order to sit them in there and then it is a pain and a half to get them out...especially Christian. My heart nearly stopped there for a minute...I swear...no more kiddy swings for him...lol.

*Not sure if I posted my weird symptoms before...I get a really funny feeling when I lift heavy weights and when I strain to open a jar or something like that. I also can't bend down to touch my toes. Picking up after the kids is a huge hassle...I usually have to sit myself down. Then there is the going up the stairs thing...it is more then just getting breathless and tired...it's like it throws me into a panic...I get all jittery and everything. I also get this feeling that I can't get a deep enough breath in at times (quite frequent actually)and that can come right out of the blue...could be just driving around even. All of this has been going on for a very long time...I just discounted it as anxiety and never mentioned it to anyone but my immediate family. Any of the previously mentioned activities would also give me SVT...but that has changed that I'm on the meds now. Oh yes...and I can't get overly emotional...I got an SVT before by having a laughing fit(and I LOVE to laugh).

*I want my life back!

Getting rid of excess fluid

2007-05-01T06:52:00.000-05:00

2.5 lbs down from yesterday! And finally breaking a huge plateau that I've been on for ever. I know that it is fluids and for me that is great. Maybe it will help with my shortness of breath too. Even though I'm not doing this for the weight loss, I have to admit that I was really hoping that it would help with that too.

Praising God in a mighty voice today! He is so good to me.

Another fun gadget

2007-04-30T14:23:00.000-05:00

About The Google 15
This one keeps track of your weight. I've gotten into daily weighing...going against everything ever learned during my non diet days...and find this gadget very helpful. Since I tend to get a lot of fluid retention...if my weight goes up 2 lbs from one day to the next...I now know what is going on. I learned this from caring for my dad.

Day 4

2007-04-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

*Staying away from sugar has been easier then I expected. I have plenty of allowable fruits on hand, so those seem to do the trick for me.

*I'm working on my sixth glass of water...yipeee!

*Did my Lesley Sansone video...a bit slow going, but I got through it.

*Going up stairs seems to be getting a tiny bit easier. Even carried Christian up for his nap without going completly into a tizzy fit.

*Still very light headed, a little worse then usual so maybe it is a reaction to cutting off the sugar.

*Overall, I'm feeling pretty optimistic. Please keep those prayers coming.

Google gadget

2007-04-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

Homepage Content Directory
This is a neat little gadget if you use Google home page. I use it to keep track of the foods and water I'm taking in, just to make sure I'm getting a well balanced diet.

Day 3

2007-04-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

The thing that I'm noticing right away is improved taste buds. Everything has so much more taste now. I just finished eating an apple and it feels like I'm cheating...lol. Who knew that fresh fruit could be so pleasing?

Some of the symptoms are still pretty nasty...I'm light headed and very dizzy at times and still getting completly winded going up the stairs...but with AF here, I'm figuring it will be a while to see any real improvement. Speaking of which, it seems to be a bit more intense (no guys here, right? lol)...more bleeding then what I'm used to, but less cramps...I'm thinking that my body is using this medium to cleanse itself out. It must be all that water that I'm drinking.

drink more water!

2007-04-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm going to make sure that I have a glass of water sitting on my kitchen counter next to my lap top at all times. Then whenever I walk by and check my e-mail or do anything at all on the computer, I'll have a few sips. That should keep me well hydrated...lol.

more on the evils of sugar...

2007-04-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

Articles from past issues of our newsletter, "And The Beat Goes On": "One substance that is absolutely poison to people with MVPS/D is sugar. The average American comsumes a trememdous amount of sugar each year. Remember that sugar contains virtually no nutritional value. It is pure calories, and the results of consumption for people with MVPS/D are severe.

Sugar triggers the autonomic nervous system and, just like caffeine, gives a temporay boost in energy. With the release of insulin from the body in order to burn the sugar there is a sudden drop in blood sugar that is quick and often results in a shaky sensation, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes even panic attacks.

Many patients report that they are sugar junkies, particularly chocolate, and don't believe that they can kick the habit.
Have you ever tried to elimate sugar? It is tough! You are irritable and shaky and often have difficulty sleeping for the first few days. It is believed that sugar is truly an addicting substance, and this response represents a type of withdrawal.

After several days there will be an increase in energy and a calming effect. This makes the effort to kick the sugar habit worthwhile."

Treatment

2007-04-28T17:49:00.000-05:00

Treatment of Mitral Valve Prolapse

SVT and MVP

2007-04-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

Mitral Valve Prolapse: "Outlook
Mitral valve prolapse is usually a harmless disorder that does not lead to a heart attack and does not prevent a person from having a normal, active life. The condition does trigger some possible complications, but overall risk for them is very low. These complications include the following:

Cardiac arrhythmias: These are usually only benign premature beats that need no drug treatment. Occasionally, they can have sustained supraventricular tachycardia needing further, more definitive, medical therapy. Sudden cardiac arrest due to a ventricular tachycardia, which is life threatening, is very rarely reported. "

Ok...I think that I really need to talk to my doctor on this one. From this, it sounds like the SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)that I experience could be also be a symptom of MVP...hmmm.

I'm thinking that the Lord is bringing this to my attention for a reason. Please pray me through this.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

2007-04-28T10:29:00.001-05:00

Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome Page: "MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE SYNDROME
COMMON SYMPTOMS
•Chest pain
•Fatigue
•Palpitations, extra heart beat
•Lightheadedness, dizziness
•Shortness of breath
•Anxiety and/or panic attacks
•Headaches
•Low exercise tolerance
•Mood swings"

Even though I'm on meds for other heart issues (SVT)...I've never been officially diagnosed with this. However it is uncanny that these are all the symptoms that I've been struggling with for a life time it seems(chest pain is minimal and very infrequent).

I had read a while back how taking extra Magnesium can help with this and so I've been taking it. However because it alters my bowels so much, I need to take very low dosages and I don't feel like it's helping me with all these symptoms as much as it could. However, isn't it interesting that sugar is one thing that depletes Magnesium...I know we've discussed this here before...but here I am again...still struggling with it.

MVPers report other symptoms. Common ones include:

•chronically cold hands and feet
•gastrointestinal stomach disturbances
•problems with memory or a feeling of fogginess
•inability to concentrate
•mood swings
•problems sleeping
•numbness or tingling of the arms or legs
•arm, back, or shoulder discomfort
•difficulty swallowing
•lump in the throat

I have all of the above too...and always passed it off as 'anxiety'.

FACTORS THAT CAN INCREASE THE INTENSITY OR FREQUENCY OF MVPS SYMPTOMS:

•Emotional stress
•Excessive fatigue
•Unaccustomed physical activity
•Being anxious or nervous
•Caffeine
•Medicines with stimulants
•Sweets
•Being in a hot, dry environment
•Dehydration
•Flu, cold, or other illnesses
•Lack of sleep
•Alcohol
•Smoking
•Skipping meals
•Rushing around
•Lying on the left or right side
•Menses
•Menopause

Again...all of the above (ok...I don't smoke...but even just being in a room with smokers will do it for me.

Day 2

2007-04-28T07:36:00.000-05:00

yesterday had its moments. I really missed having my bread. I think since SB allows whole grain products, I'll keep those in for now to ease me through this a little...so I need to buy some...then I'll have to re-evaluate whether this particular diet is working for my health issues or whether I need to eliminate some more foods.

AF is here in full force...tons of cramps and the whole nine yards. I'm really hoping that this is another area that a good diet will help me with. When I read through the Yeast questionaire and I see 'infertility' up there...a part of me still wonders...could it really have been that easy way back then? I try not to dwell on 'what ifs', especially because I love the way my life turned out. But if anyone reading this is trying to get pregnant and not succeeding (a humm...I won't name names...lol) or having any other type of 'women's problems', it might be worth looking into.

Another thing that I'd like to address is...why now? Many of you reading this blog know that I've been around the block a few times on this issues...so what makes me think that this time will be any different? I really believe that the Lord has initiated this. If you have read my other blog 'P5', you know that He is in the process of lifting me up. I feel the Holy Spirit's healing force in my life...I just need to work with that 'force'. I don't know what the outcome will be, other then it will be for the best and it will be to glorify His name.

So...my plans for today is to make a shopping list and then go shopping. Please pray me through this. If you have any specific prayer requests to help you through this, please feel free to either add them to the comments section or to E-Mail me privately. Remember, that nothing is too small or too big for God. Our getting healthy is very important to Him.

Food Lists for the Sugar Busters Diet

2007-04-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

Food Lists for the Sugar Busters Diet

Low Sugar Fruits

2007-04-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

Low Carb/Low Sugar Fruits: A list of the best and the worst fruit for low carb dieters.:
"Fruits lowest in sugar:
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Cranberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Grapefruit
Melons
Apricots
Plums
Peaches
Pears
Guava
Cherries
Apples
Papaya"

Guess I gotta go food shopping. These are not fruits that I eat regularly...duh! LOL. The kids do like a lot of these, so that's good.

Who's with me?

2007-04-27T14:17:00.000-05:00

Just wondering if anyone else is comitting themselves to getting healthy. If so, please leave a comment letting me know what you are doing and what your goals are. Maybe we can be of support to each other.

what's the harm?

2007-04-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

1)Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease.1,2

2)Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in your body: causes chromium and copper deficiencies and interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium. 3,4,5,6

3)Sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.7,8

4)Sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.9,10,11,12

5)Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function.13

6)Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lung, gallbladder and stomach.14,15,16,17,18,19,20

7)Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia.21,22

8)Sugar can weaken eyesight.23

9)Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract including: an acidic digestive tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.24,25,26,27,28

10)Sugar can cause premature aging.29

11)Sugar can lead to alcoholism.30

12)Sugar can cause your saliva to become acidic, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.31,32,33

13)Sugar contributes to obesity.34

14)Sugar can cause autoimmune diseases such as: arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis.35,36,37

15)Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections)38

go read the entire list here

Library requests

2007-04-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Here's what is on my request list...

1) The new sugar busters! : cut sugar to trim fat / H. Leighton Steward

2) Sugar busters! for kids / H. Leighton Steward

3) Sugar busters! : quick & easy cookbook / H. Leighton Steward

I got the kids book too since I figured that it would be a good thing for my kids too...my daughter especially is a sugar addict just like mommy. It's amazing...we buy chocolate and we both devour it in a matter of minutes. We'll give some to my son and he'll actually spit it out...I don't understand males at all...lol.

SugarBusters

2007-04-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

How to do SugarBusters Diet - Sugar Busters - Sugarbusters! - Cut Sugar from Your Diet to Lose Weight - How to Cut Bad Carbs out of Your Diet

I'm thinking of getting the book from the library and taking a look at it...just to get through this first step of mine of cutting out sugar. Then I'll see what else I need to do. But for my situation it seems that getting rid of sugar is absolutely imperative.

So today is 'day one'. I think AF is on its way and I just took a Motrin earlier to keep cramps at bay. I suppose cutting sugar will help with all of that stuff too.

So...please keep me through this. I have asked the Lord to make Himself present to me throughout this journey and I have no doubt that He will do just that.

If you are embarking on a similar journey and would like me to pray for you too...just ask. Here's to a healthy Summer ahead!

the yeastie beasties again (still)

2007-04-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

yeast questionaire
This is a reminder to myself, that I need to get back on track and get serious about this again. I've been feeling REALLY horrible lately and I'm pretty sure that's what's going on.

Baby step 1...I'm giving up all added sugar. I'm not at the point of reading all the labels and so forth...so for now, just the obvious stuff. I'm also keeping fruits in, just to make it a little easier. Please pray for me...this alone, I think will make a world of difference...especially with some anxiety issues I've been having.

The Blood Type Diet

2007-04-17T07:23:00.000-05:00

The Blood Type Diet: Media And Reviews: "Type O-People with type O blood fare best on intense physical exercise and animal proteins and less well on dairy products and grains, says Dr. D'Adamo. The leading reason for weight gain among Type O's is the gluten found in wheat products and, to a lesser extent, lentils, corn, kidney beans, and cabbage, Dr. D'Adamo explains. Ideal exercises for Type O's include aerobics, martial arts, contact sports, and running. "

No...I'm not on a new diet..lol. But, maybe I should be? I saw this on a blog I was reading this morning and found it intersting how close this resembles the Specific Carb Diet...and I haven't felt as good since going off that...so there's got to be something to it. Not only the bloating, but the water rentention...yuck! I think that I need to start cutting down on dairy and grains again. Maybe this time with the Holy Spirit so freshly stirred up in my soul, I can do this.

Healing

2007-04-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world: "Healing is real -- and it is as spiritual, in many cases, as it is physical. Thus, when illness persists, it is sometimes because there are hidden spiritual hindrances."

Great article...click on the link above to read the entire thing.

Chew on THIS!

2007-03-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

Ask the Holy Spirit

2007-03-23T16:12:00.001-05:00

"How many different diets are there? How many formulas for long living?

The only real one is known to the Holy Spirit.

We should go by the general guidelines (frying and fats and lots of sugar are not good for us; vitamins are) while knowing that we can't regulate the entire scheme of health through intellect.

There has to be an involvement of the spirit. If you want to be healthy and live out your mission, do so in a way that is spiritual.

That means asking the Holy Spirit about everything you and your family should eat and what you and your family should do (in moments of health anxiety), and it also means exercising the spiritual laws of discipline, which include fasting.

There's an old saying that discipline is the key to happiness, and the more you meditate on that, the more you see its truth.

Diets are only a shortcut -- a temporary fix. Does your body bloat because of salt -- which causes far more weight gain than most realize? Are you retaining water? Are you "addicted" to something that would cause rapid weight loss if it was cut out?

The Holy Spirit, knowing the intricacies of every cell, will tell you what it is and help you get rid of it (instead of waiting for purgatory).

It is Lent and thus the right time to approach discipline. When we control the flesh, we transcend it, we form it to the spirit, we avoid gluttony as well as other lusts -- and our prayers are all the more powerful.

Fasting works wonders. So does simple self control, which is a form of abstinence.

When we fast, we control not only our bodies but our thoughts, our moods, our passions. We are purified and that purity is transmitted as health to the body.

In discipline, we find out who we really are. We grow closer to Jesus."

Read Entire Article Here

water retention

2007-03-13T08:13:00.001-05:00

I need some help in this area. I seem to put on two pounds over night and I KNOW that it's not a real weight gain...I mean, I can feel myself all bloated and all...especially on my hands and face. AF is here, so that's sort of 'normal'...but still. Hmmm...I did run out of my vitamins a while back...I wonder if that has something to do with it. I'm not exercising or moving much at all (other then normal taking care of the house and two small kids type of thing). My anxiety has been WAY up also as has a bunch of other 'symptoms'...so yeah...I'm thinking that the yeastie beasties are all over me again...yuck!

Modeling healthy eating

2007-03-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

What great motivation to model to your little ones eating for hunger only at meals. Maybe they might need an extra meal between lunch and dinner. However serving that at a table, rather than hand to mouth food, could enforce the dining approach and include a blessing before their extra meal.

Yes Sue...that's what I'm trying to implement..still a little difficult with a very active three year old boy...lol...who just doesn't sit still...but...all in God's good timing.

On a positive note though...I'm starting to see the scale budge a little in the right direction myself...yippeee. It was just either stuck there or creeping in the wrong direction for such a long time. I think this was the incentive I needed to keep it up. YES, yes, I want to please God and be able to do this for the 'right' reasons...but still...nothing encourages more then some visible sign that what you are doing is working.

Charlotte Mason on Hunger

2007-03-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hunger a Servant, Gluttony a Ruler.––It is as Gluttony that he tries to get the ear of the Prime Minister, saying, 'Leave it all to me, and I will make Mansoul happy. He shall want nothing but what I can give him.' Then begins a fine time. As long as Hunger was his servant, Mansoul thought nothing about his meals till the time for them came, and then he ate them with a good appetite. But Gluttony behaves differently. Gluttony leads his victim to the confectioner's windows and makes him think how nice this or that would taste: all his pocket-money goes in tarts, sweets, and toffee. He thinks at breakfast what pudding he should like for dinner, and asks for it as a favour. Indeed, he is always begging for bits of cake, and spoonfuls of jam,

Vol 4 pg 13

and extra chocolates. He does not think much about his lessons, because he has a penny in his pocket and is considering what is the nicest thing he can buy for it; or, if he is older, perhaps he has a pound, but his thought is still the same, and Gluttony gets it all. The greedy person turns away from wholesome meals, and does not care for work or play, because Gluttony has got the ear of the Prime Minister, and almost every thought of Mansoul turns one way––'What shall I eat?' he says. Gluttony begins with the little boy and goes with him all through life, only that, instead of caring for chocolate creams when he is a man, he cares for great dinners two hours long.

How Gluttony affects the Body.––But, you will say, if Hunger builds up the body, surely Gluttony must do so a great deal faster. It is true that sometimes the greedy person becomes fat, but it is muscle and not fat which makes the body strong and useful. Gluttony does not make muscle, and does cause horrid illnesses.

How to avoid Greediness.––The way to keep this enemy out of Mansoul is to stick to the rules which Hunger lays down. The chief of them is––Never think of your meals till they come, and, while you are eating, talk and think of something more amusing than your food. As for nice things, of course we all want nice things now and then; but let us eat what is given to us of the chocolate or fruit at table, and not think any more about it. Sweets or fruits are seldom served at school, we know, and when at school it is quite fair for a boy to allow himself to spend a certain part of his pocket-money in this way, not only for himself, but that he may have something to give away. But the boy who spends the whole, or

Vol 4 pg 14

the greater part, of his week's money on things to eat, or who is always begging for hampers from home, is a poor fellow, the victim of Gluttony. The best plan is to want to spend your money upon something else––some sort of collection, perhaps; or to save up to buy a present or a fishing-rod or anything worth having. Gluttony lets you alone when you cease to think of him and his good things.

update

2007-02-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

"How are you doing with changing the habits which made you regain the weight?"

The phrase that keeps me going is 'observe and correct'...remember that one, Sue? LOL. When I get so bogged down with my life I actually forget to 'observe' and off the deep end I go. So I'm back in observance mode...I think once we observe, the step to 'correct' it is not that big...as long as we are truthful with ourselves and not still hiding out in denial and so forth. So my tiny correction steps right now are to eat 0-5, drink more water, get more veggies in (less grains), and do my Leslie Sansone videos. I've also set up regular prayer and Bible reading times each day and have a routine going to help with home management type stuff that can stress me off if it goes by the way side. The next thing that I'm working on now is setting my regular weekly menus that are flexible enough to allow for the days that we are on the go. So, quick and easy stuff to make at home instead of heading for Burger King...will help not only my weight and health but also my pocket book.

The Google 15

2007-02-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

About The Google 15

I've added this 'gadget' to my Google home and I'm loving it. I always had a love hate relationship with my scale...I'd either weigh everyday and then eventualy want to just throw it out the window because of the ups and downs...or go through long periods withou weighing myself at all in the name of 'freedom'...lol. Now I'm back to daily weigh ins (I see it as daily accountability)without the heartache.

need to do something

2007-01-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

My weight is almost at my all time high again (pre WD)and the symptoms on the yeast chart are out of control. The SCD worked for me...for a while...until Christian's hospitalization when I found that there was very little that I could eat...and then I just didn't care. My focus was completly changed at that point...instead of keeping p2...('person' per MROL)in its proper place, afterall I need to be healthy in order to care for others, I completly let it go and it became last place. I'm now suffering for it. There is still so much going on around here though that I'm still not sure what intensity I can give to this. I know that this sounds like a cop out...afterall, I wouldn't think twice if it were my child's health at stake...and really...it is...they can't be benefitting from all of this at all.

So...here I go again. My books are all packed this time...so I'm going at it simply with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want to simply eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm no longer hungry, and be able to choose the foods that best feed my body. Simple...right? We'll see. The food selection part might be a bit trickier without trying to follow some book rule. I have a hard time listening to my own body...obviously...lol. But, from experience I've noticed that low carb makes me feel better...so may I'll head in that direction and see where it takes me. Observe and Correct...

I've already started taking my Magnesium again, and a daily vitamin. I need to increase my water intake a little too since I tend to be a bit dehydrated most of the time.

vitamins

2006-10-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

I think I have found something that I can take. I found them at Trader Joe's and they are called 'Drop'n drink vitamins'...yeahhh. It is just one small tablet that you disolve in your drink and is totally flavorless and has nothing mixed in that is 'scd illegal'.

weekends are NOT easy

2006-10-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

it seems that there is always at least one eating occasion each weekend...and this one was no different. On Friday evening we went out with my brother and SIL and her brother and SIL to a Portuguese hall with wonderful food and great music...we took the kids and they had a blast. The hard part is that it seems like every Portuguese meal has to include either potatoes or rice, or at times a combination of the two. What I did was have a good amount of the salad that came before the meal and then went ahead and ate my broiled fish and just left the potatotes that came with it on the plate...hmmm...who knew you could do that? LOL.

Then yesterday at my cousin's house where we got together for her son's birthday...again I had a nice piece of meat with a huge salad. I also nibbled on cheese with some wine...it was great and no one seemed to notice that I was eating 'differently' at either occasion. So...it IS hard...especially with all those wonderful foods tempting you...but it is doable!

lactose intolerant

2006-10-04T08:10:00.000-05:00

lactose intolerance (article)

Found this article interesting. It seems to be agreeing with what the SCD people are saying about the disacharides. It was also interesting for me to see how lactose intolerance is divided by the different races. My kids come from Asian and African backgrounds and it's funny that neither one of them likes milk. Maybe their little bodies are telling them something. I know with Christian when he was still taking a bottle and drank lots of milk at one point his poop got all white and we had to back out from the milk. Hmmmm. We all do fine with butter, hard cheeses and yoghurts though...so at least we don't have a reaction to casein.

The science behind scd

2006-10-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

The Science

I found this site that explains the science behind SCD pretty well...pretty neat.

Yesterday

2006-10-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

I had to post about yesterday's walk from a health perspective. First of all I planned well and took along some of my zucchini muffins and some bottled water for snacking...which came in handy as we passed a Dunkin Donuts at the T station and then again some food vendors at the Common in Boston...Roy stopped at both and bought stuff for himself and the kids...yet I was fine...yipppeee. Big break here folks.

The not so good part was that I was having some breathing issues...not so much during the walk itself since it was at a pretty comfortable pace...but beforehand and afterwards trying to catch up to Roy and the gang as they tried to rush back and forth due to the rain. It felt a lot like an anxiety attack...but actually knowing what I know now...I'm convinced that this is Magnesium related also. It's that feeling that I can't take a full breath. So I'm back on full doses of Magnesium...however now my bowels have done a 180...argghhh.

I've got a new attitude...

2006-09-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

(this started out being a reply to Sue's comment below and it just took on a life of it's own...so I decided to make a seperate post out of it.)

I'm enjoying finding new recipes and trying them out. I told Roy today that it seem that I actually LIKE to cook...lol...and even food shopping is fun. There is a new Whole Foods store near by and WOW, I was in heaven. It is actually beautiful! All those fresh fruits and vegetables neatly stacked. So much of God's abundance. We are so blessed.

One thing I'm going through now is constipation though. I read that this is normal at the beginning of any low carb diet, since grains have fibre. I guess I need to add more fresh fruits and vegetables. Salads actually are starting to sound good...who knew? LOL.

I just got the book 'against the grain' from the library. Can't wait to see if it has any thing new to add to all of this.

weighing in

2006-09-29T08:57:00.000-05:00

I was a bit relunctant to step on the scale this morning, I din't want to get bummed in case I hadn't lost any weight since this is not what this diet plan is about anyway. But I must admit...I was so darn curious...my pants are fitting better, and I feel thinner...probably mostly because the bloating is way down. So anyway...I did it...I stepped on the scale and GUESS WHAT? I was down 6 lbs. from last week. I'm drinking even more then I was before, so I don't think it is all fluids either. This was a nice little booster!

I praise God for His handy work in my life. The last couple of weeks, I've been praying with my 'inner-healing' group and a lot of issues came up from my child hood that had to do with food, eating and overall health. Then soon after I felt 'called' to start the SCD...I really believe that it is Divinely inspired for me at this moment in my life. It is quite miraculous that I've been able to stick with it for a whole week and not even be tempted to cheat...however...I must say that the weekends are the hardest on me and that is still to come. So please...if you could send out a prayer for me, I'd appreciate it.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

2006-09-28T17:07:00.000-05:00

SVT information

The above link gives a nice and simple explanation of what it is. What it doesn't explain too well is how it feels...it is more then simply a 'fast heart rate'. For instance if you were to run up a flight of stairs...your heart rate would increase, but most likely you wouldn't really feel it. However with SVT...it feels like your heart is going to jump right out of your chest. Also the heart gets thrown off its regular rhythm, unlike the previous scenerio. I can tell right away when it starts and then when it converts again. I usually end up having to go to the hospital, because it doesn't usually convert on its own for me...I was lucky this time. The IV meds that the article refers to is called 'Adenosine' and they now carry it in ambulances...but it feels pretty nasty as it goes through your body.

SVT episode

2006-09-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

Just had a minor SVT attack this afternoon. Geesh...I haven't had one of these in years. Think my body is rebelling because I got rid of the sugar and grains? Weird.

I'm ok though and didn't even have to call an ambulance, even though I did call Roy and he came home to attend to the kids since I get so wiped out by these things.

recipe site

2006-09-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

I've started a blog for me to keep track of scd recipes. If you come across some good ones, please forward them to me. I'm especially interested in breakfast ideas.Simply Recipes

quick update

2006-09-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

I did start the SCD on Monday and that part of things is actually going really well...praise God! I didn't really go 'by the book' as far as starting it out...lol(the book suggests we start with a very basic diet and then start introducing 'legal' foods one at a time). I figure since I didn't really have all the intestinal problems that the book mentions, then I was ahead of the game anyway. So I jumped right into things and it is going well as far as sticking to it...so that's half the battle. I'm eating healthier then I have in a very long time...just no grains, sugar(other then ocasional honey and fruit)and some dairy.

The first day I couldn't stop going to the bathroom...I guess I was waterlogged..lol. I have had no cravings...which is quite the miracle. I've able to wait for hunger and have not eaten beyond fullnes. PRAISE GOD!

However...I feel like I'm fighting another sinus infection. I just feel drained and have a headache brewing...just kind of yucky all over. So some prayers would be appreciated.

Off to a good start

2006-09-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

Decided to have a massive carb blow out yesterday...a mardi gras of sorts...lol. We ordered take out from our favorite Portuguese place...BBQ chicken, spicy rice, fries and hot rolls with butter...yumm yumm. I was asleep withing the hour...it didn't really cause any major tummy problems...but it really made me crash...I mean BIG TIME. I didn't really over eat either, so I don't think it was that.

Now this morning I'm heading in a different direction and I feel pretty good about it. I printed out some recipes, went shopping last night at Wild Oats and bought some 'legal' stuff. I also just found out about a new Whole Foods store that just opened up in Woburn which is not too far from us, so I'm eager to check them out too. Anyway...for this morning I made scrambled eggs and Almond Flour pancakes. I made my chicken broth last night and will make some soup for lunch and for dinner I have some beef stew in the crockpot, which is smelling delicious (so, no fear of starving and I'm not counting calories either...lol).

I've also signed up with an E-Mail support group. It's like that saying 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail'. Anyway, I'm just trusting the Lord to lead me through this and I know that no matter what it will have been worthwhile.

candida and SCD

2006-09-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

"Subject:
Anti-Candida Diet

Question:
I think that the severe anti-candida diet that I followed for 5 months suddenly caused the chronic and painful diarrhea that I’m now experiencing. Is the SCD better?

Elaine writes:
My famous last words have been "the yeast and bacteria ridge piggback on each other." That is why I continually use the word "microbe" in BTVC because it is almost impossible to absolutely identify some of the bacteria and yeast conglomeration. I, too, would like to know which anti-candida diet you followed which would encouage diarrhea. Of course, in the Missing Diagnosis, Dr. Crook advocated grains. But if the ordinary person was eating the ordinary diet before reading Crook, then the addition of grains would not do it. What will do it , is a high veggie and fruit and protein diet along with grain. So the junk food eaters, eating minimal amounts of vegetables and fruits but eating chips, macaroni, etc. may get away with not developing IBD but developing hypertension, cardiac problems, etc. If they change to more veggies and fruits, along with high grain, they will have high bacterial and/or yeast growth irritating the gut and then on top of that, the physical properties and fiber aggravating the surface of the gut and adding to the population of microbial growth with fiber and starch."

Peanut Butter Cookies

2006-09-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter (no additives)
1/2 cup honey
1 cup nut flour
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter until soft.
Add peanut butter and mix thoroughly.
Add remaining ingredients.
Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake 325 F oven for 10 minutes.

I made these last night and they were wonderfully delicious. But I think I must have done something wrong, because the consistency was all wrong for cookies and it turned out more like a cake...oh well.

The other thing is that I still had a reaction to this...but I did use the regular peanut butter that I had at home and I'm pretty sure they add sugar to that. So now I don't know if it was the peanut butter or the honey. The book does say that some people might not be able to tolerate the honey...darn...I LOVE honey...so I really hope that's not it...lol. Also...my intestines are pretty screwed up at the moment so I could pretty much just react to anything anyway.

Soup Stock

2006-09-24T07:52:00.000-05:00

basic soup stock recipe site

I had to post this here because both the anti yeast diet and the SCD call for home made soup stock and this is something that I'm not used to...I always took the easy wasy out before...but this seems like something not too difficult that I can do.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

2006-09-23T16:42:00.000-05:00

SCD Recipes

I just finished reading 'Breaking the Vicious Cycle' by Elaine Gottschall and found it very interesting. I'm tempted to give it a try. I heard about it from someone in an E-Mail list that I belong to and ordered the book from the Libary...got it today and finished it already. It's not specifically an anti-yeast program, but an overall 'intestinal health through diet' program. The thing that sounds good to me is that I can still have fruit and some cheese and even honey. What is not allowed is any type of grains(including rice, potatoes, chic peas, soy beans etc.), fluid milk of any kind, instant tea or coffee, no refined sugar(no molasses, corn syrup, or maple syrup).

The book includes some recipes that sound pretty yummy. I think it's do-able...I'll have to pray over it and see if this is something that is right for me.

Observation 1 of Day 1

2006-09-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

"Key #2, Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm environment"

I thought I had this one figured out, and then what do I go and do...since I'm alone, I just came online while having breakfast...yikes!

Correction:

*Get comfortable with those silent moments...seek them out today.

*To help with this, I'm going to shut the computer down until after lunch.

Journal

2006-09-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post the link to the Wellness Diary that I'm using. I'm going to print out enough for the month and then add them to the P2 section of my rule book (per A Mother's Rule of Life).

Day One(again)

2006-09-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

Thin Within
p5
"You will begin to see that you can become authentically thin within, from your heart and soul outward. This external change will reflect the miracle that is taking place in a heart set free." (see my inner-healing blog for more on that part of it)

KEYS:
1)Eat only when my body is hungry. (ok...I think I'm ready for this one...have been practicing it for the past couple of days...gets a bit more difficult in the afternoon when I'm tired though).

2)Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm environment (it took me a while to get it...but...I don't have to eat at the same time as the kids...duhhh. Except for dinner...I enjoy family time then. So...it's much easier to feed them and then just eat by myself when they are occupied with something else.)

3)Eat when sitting down (ok)

4)Eat when my body and mind are relaxed (eating alone during the day will help with this)

5)Eat and drink the food and beverages my body enjoys. (key word here is 'BODY'...if it's making you sick that is a sure sign that your body is NOT enjoying it...no matter how much your taste buds are)

6)Pay attention to my food while eating (ok now with number 2 and 4 taken care of)

7)East slowly and savor each bite (these really do build on each other)

8)Stop before my body is 'full'.(a little harder to do at dinner time, but if all the other keys are in place it shouldn't be so bad).

Goals for today:
*Practice above keys
*Start a food journal to keep track of foods eaten and how I feel.

New Starts

2006-09-21T07:05:00.000-05:00

Get your ideal weight here

So...here I go again. I was tempted to just not post about it since I'm not the greatest at sticking to stuff...but then I thought that was just a cop out...so here it is.

My weight has gone way up in the last few months since struggling with getting rid of the yeast over growth...not quite to where it was pre-WD...but close. Anyway, I'm convinced that an altered Thin Within program is the answer. I've gone through so much inner healing recently that I think I'm ready to finally do this thing (with God's grace, that is).

So my goals are:
1)wait for hunger to eat
2)stop at satisfied
3)choose foods not only that I like but that will nourish me and not make me sick
4)do my walk/jog video
5)find a good multi vitamin that I can tolerate and take the Magnesium and pro-biotics.
6)drink plenty of water
7)plan ahead of time...make meal menus for the week and plan snacks when going out...and go shopping regularly so that I have healthy foods on hand.
8)make a list of what I can do instead of eat when I'm feeling 'depleted' or am having 'head hunger' but stomach is not empty.
9)take regular breaks so that I don't get completly exhausted.
10)Last but not least (actually it is Number 1) Trust God to walk with me on this journey and to provide for me in His way.

Happy Birthday to...

2006-09-20T06:46:00.000-05:00

ME! LOL.

I'm so ready for a brand new start...and this seems like a good time to do it. It's time to regain control of my life and stop having my 'little girl' run things around here.

So...at 43...it is NOW time to grow up already...or at least put a few things behind me so that I can finally live my life to the fullest.

Like today's first reading says "When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things."

prayer

2006-09-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Father,
May I always remember
that all the parts of my body are good because you made them,
that my body does not belong to me but to you,
who bought it at my Baptism
at the price of Christ's Cross
and that my body is the living temple of the Holy Spirit.
Give me self-control over my passions, appetites and imaginations;
give me respect for the opposite sex
and esteem for my own;
create in me that wholeness and integrity
that all my powers may be consecrated to your service
according to my state in life.
May Mary the Blessed Virgin Mother,
watch over me through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- - -
Matthew 5:8 - "Happy are the pure in Heart; they will see God!"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Don't you know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he has bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory.

sinus problems

2006-09-12T08:48:00.001-05:00

I've been getting what feels like the beginning of a sinus infection for the past couple of days...it could be allergies though...as much as I like Fall...I think this is my worst season for allergies. So...I could use some prayers...I haven't had a full blown sinus infection where I had to be on antibiotics in a very long time and I certainly don't want to go back to that...there was a period there about 10 years ago or so that I had one infection after another, it was horrible.

symptoms eval. wk 5

2006-09-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

130 points...yippee! That's down another 29 points. What I'm seeing is that even though I still struggle with some of the symptoms...bloating, gassiness and so forth that is directly related to my 'slipping'...over all I'm feeling much better, praise God. My emotions are more stable, I'm not as tired all the time...stuff like that. I really was in tough shape now that I think about it...gee whiz! These are such tiny baby steps that I'm undertaking...but at least I have some hope.

Got milk?

2006-09-08T17:47:00.000-05:00

"LOL I'm anxious to hear how you did this week abstaining from obvious
sugar and dairy ... I hope you did "OK". "

Sue...my outgoing E-Mail is very iffy these days...so I thought I'd post here. Ok...so, not so good at abstaining from milk this week...in fact I just had a Latte a little while ago. Here's the way my mind works...I've been having abdominal pain for a couple of days (Ovulation time?)so I figure...since I'm in pain already, might as well indulge. Gee whiz...I know that I'll never get anywhere with that type of faulty thinking. So what I did is go buy myself some lactaid milk for when I absolutely need a fix...at least it won't cause an immediate reaction even though it still feeds the yeasty beasties.

going to the dentist

2006-09-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

I have an appointment for this evening (6PM EST)and will be having some of my fillings replaced. I'm excited and nervous at the same time...something about the dentist..yuck! But...I'm hopeful that having these fillings replaced may help my health situation also. They are only doing a couple today...but at least it is a start.

Symptom evaluation wk. 4

2006-09-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

This was a shocker...it went down another 21 points. It is at 159 now (over 85 is severe)...so I'm getting there...little by little.

slipping and sliding

2006-09-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

Well, my 'eating habits' seem to be a one step forward and two steps back kind of things lately...so in other words, I'm not headed in the right direction at the moment. Last weekend was Christian's third birthday and we had a little family gathering and there went my resolve(throw AF into the mix and you have big trouble). I didn't 'over eat' so much as dabbled in the 'wrong foods' and that got me off track. I'll do my symptoms evaluation tomorrow and see how much it threw me off target. I also didn't do proper food shopping last week, so I just kind of picked and grabbed all week. I'm ready for a new start though...and that begins with a menu plan.

Candida A Twentieth Century Disease

2006-08-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

by Shirley Lorenzani, Phd

Ch. IV Causes of Candidiasis

"Yeast organisms are incapable of causing disease in a healthy person. For any part of the human body to succumb to yeast, stress must occur on a regular basis. Stress upsets our internal harmony. It disturbs homeostatis, our naturally balanced state.

Where do we find stress? Is it out there in the world, lurking on the job, in traffic, waiting at home? No, stress is always an inside job. It is our personal reaction to events, places and people.

Stress is also a response to poor food choices, inadequate circulation, enviromental toxins and hormone imbalances. Drugs, designed to relieve stress and cure disease, often create stress. The stress caused by drugs is called 'side effects' and can, like all other forms of stress, weaken the immune system and lead to yeast over growth."

Ch. VI Recovery: The Back-to-health Process

"There are many routes to health, many paths to the top of the mountain. Some individuals have experienced the healing of candidiasis through prayer and meditation, with little attention to diet, exercise or the use of anti-fungal drugs. Others have relied on diet alone. For many a combination of healthy practices...diet, exercise, appropriate anti-yeast drugs, nutritional supplements, a clean environment, prayer and meditation, and an attitude of self appreciation works best."

Symptom Eval. wk 3

2006-08-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

180! Down another 51 points this week for a grand total of 138 points...it was originally 318.

My aim is to continue as normal a diet as possible while keeping in mind those things that I get an immediate reaction with...milk, concentrated sugars etc. I guess for now it's more about concentrating on the positive...what I can have instead of on what I can't. Am also doing quite a bit of 'inner-healing'. I really believe that even illness can have a spiritual component. Not as in the sick person doesn't have enough faith...but that satan attacks even good faithful Christians...so that all doors to him need to be shut(unforgiveness is a biggie). This then boosts the immune system and gets it cracking.

I've also just discovered an antifungal creme called Alo-Vesta...and boy is it the best thing since sliced bread...lol. All my skin problems are just disappearing...I'm using it all over the place now...my face, ears, under my breasts. It is awesome!

Symptom Evaluation

2006-08-19T06:40:00.000-05:00

After the first week my symptoms have gone down 87 points...that is amazing...I'm at 231 now. Still pretty high, but it is completely amazing to me how quickly I can see results by just changing a few things. This week I have kept away from most sugars (haven't been reading labels or anything like that...just staying away from concentrated sugars), and dairy. The areas with the most noticeable results are...cravings...moods...and stomach discomfort.

Fresh Tomato Soup

2006-08-17T14:16:00.000-05:00

Fresh Tomato Soup Recipe with Tomatoes and Rice and Onions

Made this for dinner last night and it was so good...even Roy and Sarah loved it.

be obedient

2006-08-17T06:46:00.000-05:00

myCatholic.com � Customizable Catholic Homepage:
"Interior Struggle
That disturbance in your spirit, the temptation which envelops you, seems to blindfold the eyes of your soul.

You are in darkness. Don't insist on walking by yourself, for, by yourself you will fall. Go to your Director 'to the person in charge' and he will remind you of those words of Raphael the Archangel to Tobias:

'Take comfort; before long God will heal you.' Be obedient and the scales will fall from your eyes, and God will fill you with grace and with peace.
� St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #715"

good medicine

2006-08-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

.=: M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y :=.

Sunshine is the laughter of nature. We can live out in the sunshine. The
sun and air are good medicine. Nature is a good nurse for tired bodies. We
can let nature have her way with us. God's grace is like the sunshine. We
can let our whole being be enwrapped in God's spirit. It can make glad the
hearts of all of us. God's spirit can heal and cure the mind. We can let
it have its way and know that all will be well!

.=: P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y :=.

I pray that I may live in the sunshine of God's spirit. I pray that my mind
and soul may be energized by it.

This reminds me...I need to get out more...lol. Maybe we'll skip school tomorrow and go for a walk around the lake instead...hmmmm.

Natural highs

2006-08-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

Natural Highs (I got the following in an E-Mail...but it is interesting to think about what makes us feel good. I need to come up with my own list and keep it handy. What does your list look like?

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake.. (or vanilla or strawberry!)

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke.

24. Friends.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

29. Playing with a new puppy.

30. Having someone play with your hair.

31. Sweet dreams.

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Road trips with friends.

34. Swinging on swings.

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

36. Making chocolate chip cookies.

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

38. Holding hands with someone you care about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing
that some things (good or bad) never change.

40. Watching the _expression on someone's face
as they open a much desired present from you.

41. Watching the sunrise.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and
being grateful for another beautiful day.

43. Knowing that somebody misses you.

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

45. Knowing you've done the right thing,
no matter what other people think.

Thin Within Day 4

2006-08-16T12:34:00.000-05:00

A Path of My Choosing:
"On this path God's canopy of grace shelters us during the storms of life and shades us during those days when we experience fiery trials. If we attempt to move out from under God's protective covering, we quickly discover that life consists of frustration and striving and goes nowhere. As we choose to surrender to God and His wonderful care for us, we experience His peace and His sufficiency. We learn that He truly is satisfying, more than the richest of foods. The perfecting power of the Holy Spirit works from the inside out---from within. He gives us a new mind and a new heart, not a new formula."

United to the source of all graces

2006-08-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

myCatholic.com � Customizable Catholic Homepage:
"You Can!

Live and work for God, with a spirit of love and service, with a priestly soul, even though you may not be a priest. Then all your actions will take on a genuine supernatural meaning which will keep your whole life united to the source of all graces.

� St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #369"

I think that when our intent is to 'work for God' then He will give us exactly what we need to get that work done...be it health or whatever. When praying for a healing, we need to ask ourselves why do we want it? Is it for us to go out and then do our own will? Then most likely we won't get it, or won't keep it for long. We really need to look at the intent of our own heart...no one else can tell us what that is.

signs of the times

2006-08-16T10:50:00.000-05:00

USCCB - (NAB) - August 16, 2006: "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem,
and mark a 'Thau' on the foreheads of those who moan and groan
over all the abominations that are practiced within it."

According to Fr. Ron, a 'Thau' is an X. So believers who were mourning the darkness that they witnessed all around them were marked with an x. How about us? How do we determine who is mourning the sinfulness encountered today? How much are we mourning the atrocities that are happening these days...in the world and in our own lives? Are we part of the solution or part of the problem? There is a HUGE spiritual battle raging...what are we doing about it?Hopefully our mourning is a bit more productive then simply sitting around feeling sad and hopeless about the situation at hand. Being Christian means that we have the power of Christ within us to walk freely and to help set others free.

(Mk 16: 15-18)says...
"Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation...These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison: they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover."

(I've had several posts today that didn't go through at the other blogs(so we'll see what happens here with this one)...but enough to say that God is hard at work in this area of my life right now.)

TW Day 3: Going for Godly Goals

2006-08-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

"As we partner with God on this special road, our knowledge of Him will deepen and we will see that He is worthy of all of our trust. He is worthy to be followed, and He is most worthy to be adored.

As you listen and draw closer, you will hear God speak specifically to you about His plans for you---plans for a hope and a good future. And as you continue your journey, you will want your own vision, plans, and goals to line up with His. Our sincere desire is for you to experience the freedom for which you were created and to catch the vision God has for your life. Today we will focus on the purpose of life and the blessing of adopting godly goals."

This part of it goes perfectly with 'A Mother's Rule of Life' and how my 'goals' need to lign up with my vocation. In MROL...Person, comes second for a very good reason...even though some Christians may argue it. We need to care for ourselves and be filled up before we can give anything away.

Pray about it...

2006-08-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world: "The key is the word 'balance,' which means not to go overboard. If we pray, God will let us know which foods, herbs, spices, vitamins, and drinks best fit our unique bodies -- and will guide doctors who may be needed to assist us. He will also let us know what to eat if we pray not only when we are ready to eat but before we decide what to buy at the store!"

This is THE message that we should be putting out about the journey to health...pray! I often get hooked into one particular 'method' or other and in my excitement want to just tell everyone...which is ok I guess...as long as I don't fail to mention how that 'method' came about.

However, one problem that I've seen arise from telling someone to 'pray' over it is that it sounds trite. We perhaps hear it so often that it loses its full impact...so it goes in one ear and out the other. Or we think that 'pray over it' means to request a miraculous healing...which ofcourse is within God's power. However the most important thing that can come out of prayer is 'relationship'...walking hand in hand with Jesus.

Today...let me be aware of His presence in my life and especially on how it applies to my health and well being.

Faith healing

2006-08-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

ARTICLE: Faith is the key to curing ailments at healing room (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

Hmmm...I thought this article was interesting in light of what I posted previously. My church has a pretty good healing ministry and is in the process of putting together an 'inner healing' ministry as well...alot of cures have taken place. God is amazing!

Thin Within Day 2

2006-08-14T13:52:00.000-05:00

When we begin to see that God has created each one of us uniquely and very specifically, we begin to develop an appreciation for our own bodies. His divine imagination thought of you in eternity past and He created you especially for this space and this time. All of creation, including you, speaks of His wondrous glory.

This is going along perfectly with our homeschooling lessons this week...which I'm getting alot out of by the way. You'd think this is really basic stuff and it is, but it's amazing how much you can miss out on in your own childhood. I can certainly see the above passage in application to my own children, but only now is it sinking in about me.

Grace is abundant and free, flowing from the throne of our God. The God who offers this grace is the God who wants to be your constant companion on your journey to healing and wholeness. He offers you peace about your body and your relationship to food.

Rather than feeling condemned by others, yourself, and possibly even by God, our prayer is that you will lean on God's wonderful grace, which is available to you each moment of the day.

I've been aware of God's 'grace for the moment' for some time...but now He's also teaching me about His power of healing and deliverance. The Bible is full of such stories and His healing power continues through our prayers. I KNOW that if He so desired then I could be made whole in an instant. He is stronger then Candida! Meanwhile I walk forward in obedience...doing what I know needs to be done each moment with Him supporting me each step of the way.

Honoring our bodies

2006-08-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

Sue said..."Maybe I'm just learning how to best honor the body God gave me. The adventure continues ..."

Amen! I just picked up 'Thin Within' and even though I'm not quite sure that the Lord is wanting me to go back on this program at the moment...there is still a lot to be learned from it...looking at it from a broader perspective.

From Day One:

"There is nothing more refreshing than auntentic living. God wants this for you. He created you to be unique. As you begin to live authentically, you will discover the abundant life Jesus talked about--a life that is deeply satisfying. When you allow the Lord to meet your needs, you will find a fulfillment that you never knew existed. You will begin to need less food as you realize that much of what your eating has been triggered by something that food really can't satisfy."

Candida has been that 'trigger' for me, at least in part...I know that there are emotional and spiritual issues too though and they do need to be considered (I have set up an 'inner-healing' blog for that). This whole issue is so intricate and complex that only God can pull us through.

More from Day One:

5.Eat and drink the food and beverages my body enjoys.
...There are no forbidden foods. If you have food allergies or a medical condition that would require abstinence from certain foods, by all means heed your doctor's recommendations. But aside from that, enjoy God's wonderful provisions. We might however, be tempted to take this to an extreme, to abuse or misuse food. It's important for us to remember that "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.(1 Corinthians 6:12). When unsure, ask God what your body needs in order to feel and operate at its best. You will then know what will be an appropriate choice.

Where our strength lies...

2006-08-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

USCCB - (NAB) - August 13, 2006: "He got up, ate, and drank;
then strengthened by that food,
he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb."

It's everywhere. God is at it again today...today's readings hammer in the point. The importance of food for our well being is undeniable...yet Jesus says that HE is the Bread of Life. In this journey towards wellness He needs to continue being the focus...He will lead the way...NOT whoever the leading authority in such and such is at the moment...not the latest gimmick or diet...none of that...God alone suffices. Everything else has the potential of letting us down...Jesus never will.

The Offertory Song at Mass this morning was 'I Will Choose Christ'. It really hit at the heart of all of this. The main point of this journey is freedom to love!

I will choose Christ, I will choose love, I choose to serve.
I give my heart, I give my life, I give my all to you.

2)Christ, my teacher and healer, teach my heart and heal my soul.
And as I walk this road with you, teach me to love.

Re-Starting

2006-08-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

Symptom Evaluation

Ok...I think I've reached the breaking point that was necessary in order to move forward towards real change. It included both physical and emotional symptoms bad enough to bring me to my knees.

As I was praying my rosary this evening (after an emotional breakdown), I felt the Lord leading me to re-start a Bible study I had been doing and had stopped when I had family over and things got pretty busy. It is 'God's Word Today' and this month it is covering the book of Leviticus. Today...Saturday:August 12...we are asked to read Chapter 11...you know...the one about all the food regulations...funny...huh? Well it gets 'funnier'. At the end of the daily reflections it has a question for personal reflection along with a 'prayer starter'...are you ready? lol. Here's what it says...

"In eating and drinking, do I choose what is healthy and life-giving or do I prefer at times what is harmful or even destructive?"

PRAYER STARTER: Lord, help me to respect the body you have given me, not to destroy it but to keep it ready for your service.

Ok..ok...I get it! Also as to the 'symptom evaluation' above...I got a 316...yikes...anything above 85 is severe. I'm to retake it each week to see how I'm doing. I know that I'll see improvements...I did last time.

No Comment

2006-07-23T08:26:00.000-05:00

I decided to disable comments on this blog because I was getting bombarded with spam...I got about 28 this morning alone.

Haven't decided yet what to do the site itself...maybe I'll keep it open and just post occasionally about health issues as they come up.