How to heal HIGH CHOLESTEROL naturally!

So your doc declares you have "high cholesterol". Yet another label to deal with. Not to fret, let's clear the myths from the current facts.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol is part of the problem.

It was once thought that simply raising the "good" HDL cholesterol was the answer to this problem. It is part of the equation, but not the whole gig. So do strive to include better whole foods in your diet, which are going to fuel the body and not cause an increase in the lousy cholesterol or LDL.

Power foods for lowering bad cholesterol:

• Garlic, Garlic, GARLIC!! - also helps lower blood pressure beautifully
• Omega rich foods such as salmon, mackeral, sardines, flax oil, borage and primrose oil
• Organic virgin Coconut Oil ( also anti inflammatory which is very indicated for those with high LDL
• Beta carotene foods: Carrots, yams, dark greens like Kale, collards
• SPIRULINA- its the elixir to everything period.
• ARTICHOKES- one of the best foods to clear a congested liver, to detox and overall blood cleanser

Oxidative Stress is the other side of the coin

In addition to addressing the LDL cholesterol, we need to understand how serious oxidative stress is to our bodies. This happens when "free radicals" are not kept in check and left to disrupt the balance of our cells and whole body.

Oxidative stress is caused by smoking, ingesting processed foods ( pasta, bread, cookies, anything packaged, boxed, in a carton or bag) , fried foods, sugar, excess alcohol, drugs and conventional medications, HIGH STRESS levels, not exercising enough, over exercising, pesticides and fertilizers in our food, and environmental pollution.

The cleaner your diet, the less oxidative damage is caused to the body. So eating clean must be the first step you take.

Secondly you should aim to increase the amount of oxidants you eat everyday through food and through supplementation, at least in the beginning phase of your attempt to lower your cholesterol.

High Anti oxidant Foods:

• SPIRULINA
• CHLORELLA
• Acai juice or supplements
• Aloe Vera juice
• Goji berries
• Dark green, red, orange, yellow vegetables
• All kinds of BERRIES
• Wheat grass juice
• Green drinks/supplements
• PLANT STEROLS- concentrated nutrients found in supplements at your health food store

Include these foods everyday! Also take higher doses of Vitamin C and B to counter the effects of stress on the body.

Understand that the body works as a whole. It cannot be dissected and treated in parts, even if conventional doctors will have you believe. Cholesterol is a symptom of an overall in balance in the body. STRESS is the underlying cause of most disease processes.

Therefore, treat that first! Manage emotional and mental stress by taking time for yourself. Lower physiological and physical stress by eating clean and exercising on a regular basis in a way that makes you FEEL GOOD. And set some time to do the spiritual work. You just cannot ignore this last one. Going inwards, taking time to reflect, journal, pray and really appreciate the great things in your life are important for all of this to work.

Once all the pieces fit, you are no longer left with a puzzle :)

In health always,

Namaste

Piera

www.coreconnectionshealing.com

How to STOP Sugar Cravings before they begin!

Those cookies sitting in the jar on the kitchen counter look pretty inviting.

Are they calling your name every time you walk by? Does just one whiff of fresh warm cinnamon buns get you to turn in their direction? Well we have all been there. We respond to stimuli on a continuous basis. As sensual human beings we are supposed to! Our hypothalamus regulates every hormonal process, our temperature and our hunger signals so that we don't starve, freeze or die of thirst.

However cravings are sneaky sometimes, and we can be mislead into believing they are real hunger signals. Sometimes they are, and most times they aren't.

Cravings are not to be ignored. They actually are great messengers of what is going on in your body, mind or emotional being. That is the key. You must figure out what type of craving you have, why it's there, and what is causing it. It's not that difficult.

Physiological craving: This is usually due to not having a balanced diet, so you may be dealing with a nutrient deficiency. Almost every chocolate craving I have seen in my clients is because of a calcium/magnesium deficiency. Correct that, and Cadbury becomes much less appealing.

Chronic DIETING, and low cal living will inevitably cause cravings. Its just simple physiology. Your body needs all essential nutrients, and when things get cut out or drastically cut down, YOU WILL CRAVE.

Mental/ Emotional Craving: Often is triggered by an upset, a negative belief or experience. BE PRESENT. Become AWARE of patterns, and what sets you off. Awareness is the first step. Write it down, draw it out, talk it out. Whatever gets you to "awaken" and become aware of whats going on.

Here are 5 Powerful ways I've seen my clients greatly reduce their CRAVINGS:

1. Drink H20- You may be walking around dehydrated. So what is really a thirst signal, is being interpreted as a FOOD need or hunger signal. Drink up, wait and you just may realize your body just needed a little watering.

2. Protein- You may not be getting enough. Protein helps stabilize insulin/cortisol levels. Often people wake up and have a cup of coffee and nothing else till the afternoon. Then they wonder why Snickers looks so good mid afternoon. You need protein, especially in the morning. Eggs, organic yogurt, quinoa, nuts, or a protein smoothie fit the bill.

3. Sleep- Not enough shut eye and your body goes into stress mode. Your adrenals kick up the cortisol, and now you may think your hungry and craving food, but really your craving rest. So make it a point to get quality sleep. Its not so much how long, its how well you sleep that matters.

4. Exercise- Its proven that activity, and even as little as a 10 minute brisk walk, can ward off cravings, and overeating in general. Get moving! On your coffee break, skip the line up for java, and get some fresh air instead. This simple short burst of activity can do wonders. not only will cravings be kept at bay, but you'll think clearer, ignite creative energy and improve your overall mood.

5. Breathe- I can't say this enough. Your breath is your direct link to your core, or higher Self. You directly can communicate by taking mindful breaths and practicing breath work. It affects your nervous system directly and is the most effective way to relax and bring you to the present moment. The only moment you really ever have :)

Let me know how it works for you. I welcome your feedback!

Namaste