About Anna Hunt

Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 years in Costa Rica as a teacher of Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. During her free time, you’ll find her on the mat or in the kitchen, creating new kid-friendly superfood recipes.

Arkansas School Starts Offering Yoga and Meditation Instead of Detention

A school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has joined many others in turning to an alternative method of discipline. The Success Achievement Academy has stopped using in-school suspension as punishment. Instead, the directors started using yoga as a means of helping students relieve stress and recognize responsibility for their actions. But does yoga instead of suspension work? Yoga Instead of Suspension is Working Carlillian Thompson, the principal at Robert Coleman Elementary in Baltimore, Maryland, would probably argue that yoga and mindfulness meditation are more effective than suspension. Her school began offering yoga and meditation in 2016. The program, called Mindful Moments, was spearheaded by Ali and Atman Smith of Holisitc Life Foundation. “They actually taught the students how to redirect their negative energy into something positive. ” shares Carlillian Thompson, the principal at Coleman. In an interview with CBS This Morning, Thompson claims her school no longer has to use in-school suspension. At Coleman, all children practice mindful breathing and stretching two times per day. The Success Achievement Academy followed this example and implemented the same practice for its K-8 grades. “We did a lot of research on their school and not only how they handled discipline, but they’ve actually put it in their curriculum and that’s what we’ve done here,” stated Todd Rhoades, director at Success Achievement Academy. “What really got our attention in Baltimore, they went to zero suspensions for an entire year. Suspension does not work for our students.”   “They are getting help with learning how to breathe and meditate and to relieve stress, and then part of that not only is there deep breathing there’s also a restorative piece to it, they take responsibility for what they did,” Rhoades added. At both schools, educators now turns to mindfulness in conflict resolution, instead of punishment. “There’s violence going on the in the neighborhood. There’s drug abuse in the neighborhoods. So it’s just there’s all these things just getting dumped on these kids. And they need a way to kinda deal with it,” stated Ali Smith co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation. To see the local news story about yoga at the Success Achievement Academy, click here. Is Yoga Too Much Like a Religion to be Used in Schools? Despite these successes, there are communities where parents are not comfortable with the use of yoga in schools. Below is a discussion on TV show The View about a community in Georgia, where parents were outraged that the school started teaching yoga to students. What do you think? Does it makes sense to try yoga instead of suspension? Or are yoga and meditation too spiritual and we should keep them out of school just as we’ve done with religion? About the Author Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 [...]

2018-01-02T03:56:21-08:00By |

MIT Scientist Explains Why Modern Wheat is Causing So Many Health Problems

The use of Monsanto’s Round-up herbicide has increased substantially over the last 40 years. Many researchers are starting to believe that increased use of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round-up, correlates to the rise in many modern diseases. According to Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), glyphosate appears to be strongly correlated with the rise in Celiac disease, and, more generally, gluten intolerance. “[G]ut dysbiosis, brought on by exposure to glyphosate, plays a crucial role in the development of celiac disease. Many CYP enzymes are impaired in association with celiac disease, and we show that glyphosate’s known suppression of CYP enzyme activity in plants and animals plausibly explains this effect in humans.” ~ Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases II: Celiac sprue and gluten intolerance by Dr. Anthony Samsel and Dr. Stephanie Seneff Rise in Glyphosate Use in the United States According to the report published in Environmental Sciences Europe, titled “Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally” by Charles M. Benbrook, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of glyphosate sprayed on crops since the mid-1990’s. The report states: Since 1974 in the U.S., over 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate active ingredient have been applied, or 19 % of estimated global use of glyphosate (8.6 billion kilograms). Globally, glyphosate use has risen almost 15-fold since so-called “Roundup Ready,” genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops were introduced in 1996. Two-thirds of the total volume of glyphosate applied in the U.S. from 1974 to 2014 has been sprayed in just the last 10 years. The corresponding share globally is 72 %. In 2014, farmers sprayed enough glyphosate to apply ~1.0 kg/ha (0.8 pound/acre) on every hectare of U.S.-cultivated cropland and nearly 0.53 kg/ha (0.47 pounds/acre) on all cropland worldwide. Use of Glyphosate on Non-GMO Wheat Crop   Glyphosate, via the product Roundup, is known to be commonly sprayed on GMO corn, GMO soybean and GMO cotton crops. But what many people may not realize that glyphosate herbicide is also commonly used on non-GMO wheat crop. The practice is so common, that wheat has become the third most common crop to be sprayed with glyphosate. In 1990, wheat crop in the U.S. was sprayed with over 497,000 pounds of glyphosate. In 2014, this increased 35 fold to over 17.7 million pounds sprayed just in that one year. In comparison, GMO crops such as corn and soybean were sprayed with over 69.9 million pounds and 122.5 million pounds of glyphosate, respectively, in 2014. The amount used on cotton crops was similar to wheat at 17.4 million pounds. These statistics were reported by the National Agriculture Statistical Service (NASS), which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. (Source) The NASS also conducted the 2012 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey among wheat producers in 15 U.S. states. This report is published here. In the report, the NASS revealed that 61% of winter wheat, 99% of durum, and 97% [...]

2020-09-28T17:13:15-07:00By |

The Pervasiveness of Toxic Petrochemicals in Household Products and How to Avoid Them

It may come as a surprise that your fragrant body wash, baby’s diapers, or lovely scented candles are actually filled with toxic petrochemicals. These include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and countless others. Many are potentially carcinogenic, some disrupt hormone production, and some haven’t been tested to ascertain their safety. The Environmental Protection Agency even lists some petrochemicals on its hazardous waste list.   The personal care industry is one that most deviously sneaks pertrochemicals into their products under the label of”fragrance.” The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported: A rose may be a rose. But that rose-like fragrance in your perfume may be something else entirely, concocted from any number of the fragrance industry’s 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, the blend of which is almost always kept hidden from the consumer. Laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG revealed the following: The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Many substances have not been assessed for safety in personal care products. Researchers associated some of the chemicals with hormone disruption and allergic reactions. The research identified several chemicals with troubling hazardous properties. Legal Loophole Keeping Consumers in the Dark Historically, manufacturers of personal products needed to protect their secret formulas for each particularfragrance product. They typically made these fragrances from flowers and oils, but today, manufacturers are using the same reasoning to hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals under this one ingredient. “Fragrance secrecy is legal due to a giant loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, which requires companies to list cosmetics ingredients on the product labels but explicitly exempts fragrance,” reports EWG. It is difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about what they are buying due to lack of proper disclosure and education. As a result, we are inhaling, ingesting and absorbing these chemicals on a daily basis. How to Avoid Petrochemicals In addition to fragrant personal care products, many household items contain petrochemicals. These include most cleaning supplies, detergents, food packaging, carpeting, even bedding and mattresses. In addition, they are found in toys, plastics, paint, building materials, and more. Although not all petrochemicals are toxic, some certainly are. Hence, it is best to avoid them whenever you can. Here are some strategies to reduce your exposure to petrochemicals. First and foremost, buy as much organic as you can. This includes organic produce instead of packaged foods, to reduce the amount of packaging you buy. As well, there are now many organic personal care products, organic pillows, organic mattresses, and all sorts of organic cotton products. Another way to avoid toxic chemicals is to make your own personal care products. For some simple DIY beauty products, check out: Simple Aloe Vera DIY Recipes for Hair and Face Care; and Avoid Toxic Chemicals on Your Hair and Skin with These 3 Easy DIY Recipes. When it comes to household cleaners and detergents, you check the quality of your products [...]

2021-01-13T14:56:20-08:00By |

Multiple Studies Show that Sugar is Linked to Depression

“Sweet food has been found to induce positive feelings in the short-term. People experiencing low mood may eat sugary foods in the hope of alleviating negative feelings. Our study suggests a high intake of sugary foods is more likely to have the opposite effect on mental health in the long-term.” ~ Anika Knüppel, Ph.D. student at the Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London Knuppel’s research supplements many other scientific studies on the link between sugar and mental health. In the end, they all seem to reach the same conclusion: In addition to the physical damage sugar does to our body, an effect on mental health definitely exists. What we presently don’t know is the magnitude or the exact scope of these negative effects. Sugar Linked to Depression in Multiple Studies The team at University College London examined the amount of sugar in the diet and common mental health problems in a large sample of 5000 men and 2000 women who were part of the 1980’s Whitehall II study. They compared groups of participants based on their sugar intake and their sex. The researchers concluded that men with the highest sugar intake had a 23 percent higher chance of suffering a mental disorder. They based this estimated risk on a comparison with other men who consumed the lowest levels of sugar. Interestingly, the analysis did not identify the same link in women. Knuppel’s isn’t the first researcher to link high-sugar diet to a higher risk of depression. Here are the findings of several other studies conducted over the last couple of decades. A study out of Baylor College, published in 2002, analyzed sugar consumption in six countries. The researchers found that higher rates of refined sugar were associated with higher rates of depression. In Spain, researchers assessed the relationship between consumption of fast food and commercial baked goods (muffins, doughnuts, croissants) and the incidence of depression. They discovered that participants belonging to the group with higher consumption quantities showed an increased risk of depression compared with those belonging to the lowest level of consumption. Another study exposed the link between sugar and depression in 2014. This one evaluated the consumption of various types of beverages in over 260,000 participants with self-reported depression diagnosis. The researchers concluded that frequent consumption of sweetened beverages, especially diet drinks, may increase depression risk. Finally, in 2015, yet another US-based study evaluated the effects of added-sugar and naturally occurring sugar intake in 70,000 women. In conclusion, researchers associated progressively higher consumption of dietary added sugars with increasing odds of depression. Sugar in the Modern Diet Research continues to confirm the adverse effects of sugar intake. Consequently, if you seek better long-term psychological health, lowering your intake of sugar may be a beneficial preventative measure. Unfortunately, people typically eat excessive amounts of sugar. Here are some statistics: The World Health Organization recommends that people reduce their daily intake of added sugars (that is, all sugar, excluding the sugar [...]

2018-01-02T10:39:39-08:00By |

Simplifying Probiotics – A Path To Improving Your Gut Health

Billions of beneficial bacteria, commonly referred to as probiotics, live in the human body. These bacteria are part of what keeps the body in balance in order to maintain overall good health. They reside in the human digestive system, specifically the intestinal tract also referred to as the gut, (as well as in the mouth, on the skin, in the colon, etc), and are integral to gastrointestinal functions. Over recent years, scientists are starting to discover that these microorganisms also play a role in immunological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Common Types of Probiotics The best known of the probiotics are the Lactobacilli. There are a number of Lactobacilli species that are especially effective in creating an overall balance of the various microorganisms in the gut: – Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus is found in naturally fermented foods and is also used by the dairy industry to produce yogurt. – Lactobacillus acidophilus is naturally-occurring in the human gastrointestinal tract. Certain strains are often included in probiotic supplements because they are believed to be able to survive gastrointestinal transit, being resistant to bile, low pH, and digestive enzymes. – Other common Lactobacilli species include brevis, casei and sporogenes. Other common probiotics include: – Bifidobacteria, which are one of the major genera of probiotics found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including humans. Various species are often used in the food industry. – Streptococci, which are often known for being the main culprit of strep throat and pink eye, although there are many non-pathogenic species that are part of the human microbiome. Streptococci are used in the production of Swiss cheese, reduced-fat cheese and yogurt. – Bacilli, which are found in soils and in certain fermented foods, as for example kimchi. Certain species of Bacilli, such as Bacillus pumilus, are capable of degrading bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, which pollutes human bodies due to plastics overuse. Why are Probiotics Important? Just as billions of beneficial bacteria can live in the body, the gut is also filled with harmful bacteria. The body needs probiotics to counteract these harmful bacteria in order to enable the production of vitamins and enzymes essential for healthy body function and prevent build-up of carcinogenic toxins. Artificial food additives, GMOs in our foods, chlorinated and fluoridated water, and use of antibiotics are all detrimental to healthy gut flora. Considering that many people follow a Western diet high in processed foods, starches and meats, it is easy for their gut to become unbalanced. Scientists believe that lack of balance of good and bad bacteria can lead to cancer, hypertension and many other types of diseases. Furthermore, our bodies are increasingly subjugated to chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and industrialized products such as plastics (containing BPA and BPS). Certain probiotics are able to handle these toxins better than our own detoxification processes. To read more about why probiotics are important, read: Are Probiotics the New Prozac? Natural Sources of Probiotics Probiotics are readily available to you in a [...]

2018-01-02T10:38:53-08:00By |

Sporebiotics: The Best Probiotics to Fight Chronic Illness and Boost Immune Tolerance

Spore-based probiotics may be some of the best probiotics available, according Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, Ph.D. and founder of the Sophia Health Institute. This lesser-known supplement, called sporebiotics for short, supports a healthy gut and immune system function, and can help the body fight off environmental stressors that cause chronic health issues.   Sporebiotics are a group of gut microbes. They join 2,500+ other species of bacteria in the gut that work symbiotically with the human body and aid in healthy human function. What makes sporebiotics unique is their ability to benefit the immune system better than other probiotics. Because of the sporebiotics’ unique abilities, scientists believe they may benefit people with health problems such as autism, neurological disorders, and immune-related diseases. In addition, spore-based probiotics may help fortify the body against environmental aggressors such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs), pesticides, and airborne pollutants. Antibiotic-resistant Spore-based Probiotics A microbiologist from Germany, Gunther Enderlein created spore-based probiotics in 1935. Essentially, these microorganisms consist of off-shoots of the microbe called bacillus. Scientists believe the subspecies bacillus subtilis is one of the most important and beneficial sporebiotics. Unlike other probiotics, sporebiotics do not contain any live bacteria strains. They consist of the cell wall of bacillus spores. Therefore, they are not affected by antibiotics, which kill off both good and bad bacteria living in the body. Over-exposure to antibiotics found in foods, such as meats and dairy, has affected the gut microbiome of the typical Westerner. This is believed to be one of the main reasons why so many suffer from chronic ill-health. What makes them unique is that sporebiotics are capable of surviving the passage through the stomach. On the other hand, only a small percentage of regular probiotics survives the trip the small intestines, even if the supplement is eaten with a meal. What’s relevant is that it is only in the small intestines that probiotics can germinate and become active. Best Probiotic for Protecting Against Environmental Assailants One of the claims made by Dr. Klinghardt, who is internationally recognized for his successful treatment of chronic pain and illness, is that sporebiotics are one of the most effective ways to boost immune tolerance. He states: “Many of us have lost our tolerance towards the factors that are in our environment. Many patients have lost the tolerance toward food that would serve them in many ways, but they cannot tolerate it. The truth is that the healthier a person is today, the more immune tolerant that person is.   That means, they’re the ones that are not affected greatly by the electromagnetic environment. They’re the people that avoid the chemicals that are in the air and in the food — the aluminum in the air, the glyphosate in the food.   The question was always, ‘Is immune tolerance a consequence of good health?’ Or ‘Is immune tolerance actually the factor that makes people healthy?’ I would postulate the latter.” According to Klinghardt, bacillus spores “dramatically increase our immune tolerance.” This [...]

2018-01-02T10:40:50-08:00By |

3 Easy Ways to Make Probiotic-rich Fermented Foods

Fermented, probiotic foods, filled with beneficial bacteria, have been common in many cultures and are an integral part of a healthy diet. Yet, as we’ve become more modernized, it has become less convenient to ferment our own foods. We eat shelf-friendly, lifeless, pre-packaged foods that have been sterilized, pasteurized, and denatured, and we live in sterilized environments. As a result, the gut biome is suffering, which makes it more difficult for people to fight off bad bacteria and creates a variety of health issues. The importance of a healthy gut flora cannot be underestimated. An unhealthy gut can manifest into many physical and psychological ailments, partially because about 85% of the immune system is in the gut. Only when the good and bad bacteria in the digestive system are balanced can the body function normally, without any digestive dysfunction. Probiotic Pre-packaged Foods and Supplements The topic of probiotics and gut health has become quite popular, and hence certain food producers are keen on promoting the probiotic content of products such as yogurts, kefirs and Kambucha tea, to name a few. But often, prepacked and shelf-friendly foods are also packed with sugar and additives that might diminish the benefit of their probiotic content. Pre-packaged fermented foods such as sauerkraut and pickles are often sold off-the-shelf at room temperature, so the health benefits of the probiotics are gone by the time you eat these foods. Probiotic supplements have also become quite popular. Certain brands, such as BioImmersion and Klaire Labs, offer high-quality and high count probiotics for people who seek to attain and maintain good gut health, especially if they do not like to eat fermented foods or do not have the time to prepare them. But if you are looking for a low-cost and delicious way to increase your probiotic intake, making your own fermented foods is your best option. Preparing Your Own Fermented Foods There are many types of probiotic-rich foods that you can make at home that have far more beneficial live bacteria when compared to foods that have been sitting on a store shelf. Once you get started and become comfortable with the preparation process, making your own fermented foods can also be more economical, in addition to benefiting your health. Here are some important notes when fermenting your own foods: Consider the importance of cleanliness of your prep space, tools and storage containers, as well as hands; clean everything with hot water, or disinfect in the dishwasher. Chlorinated water can inhibit fermentation, so use spring, distilled or filtered water. Use salt that is free of iodine and/or anti-caking agents, which can inhibit fermentation. Sea or Himalayan salt are recommended. You may choose to use gloves when using your hands to mix cabbage with salt and spices, although this is optional. Keep fermenting food containers about 3-4 feet apart, to prevent cross-contamination of the cultures.   Below you’ll find more about preparing three common fermented foods: pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Two Easy-to-Make Probiotic Drinks That Heal the [...]

2020-09-28T17:15:42-07:00By |

Chakras, Energy Flow and Essential Oils

Chakras are the energy centers in the human body that facilitate the flow of energy. They are linked to mental, physical and spiritual well-being. By understanding what each chakra represents and what you can do to stimulate the flow of energy through the chakra, you may be able to achieve an optimal quality of life. Below you will find how you can use essential oils and certain spices to stimulate the chakras. Root Chakra The first chakra is called muladhara and is associated with the color red. It is located at the base of the spine. Muladhara is associated with survival and your comfort in the present moment and in your environment. It governs your sense of stability and security. If you feel insecure, antsy, distracted or insecure, you can diffuse and breathe in essential oils such as basil, cedarwood, cilantro, myrrth, patchouli, or a blend of any of these. Sacral Chakra The second chakra is called svadhisthana and is associated with the color orange. It is found in the low belly, right below the navel. Svadhisthana governs your sexuality and authentic creativity. It also is associated with abundance and personal power. To activate your sacral chakra, diffuse cinnamon, tangerine or orange essential oils. You can also rub a couple of drops of orange or tangerine oil right below the navel or on the sacrum, or apply 1 or 2 drops directly under the tongue (the cinnamon oil will be too potent for these latter applications). Solar Plexus Chakra The third chakra, manipura, is located at the solar plexus, which is a cluster of nerves located behind the stomach and below the ribcage. Associated with the color yellow, this chakra governs your self-confidence and self-esteem. It is the link to your inner-child, the ego and your will, as well as to the fun and joy you find in life. To stimulate your solar plexus chakra, you can diffuse coriander, ginger or grapefruit essential oils, or apply a couple of drops directly around the stomach area. You can also use clove, coriander or ginger essential oils in a variety of dishes, or use the natural form of these spices. Drinking tea made out of fresh ginger is also a great option. Heart Chakra The fourth chakra is located at the heart region and is associated with the color green. In Sanskrit it is called anahata. It is said that the heart chakra governs your joy, inner peace and your compassion, for yourself and for others. Love, self-love and acceptance originate in the heart chakra. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, melaleuca, peppermint, and ylang ylang can be used to activate the heart chakra. You can apply one or two drops of any of these oils directly to the heart region, or diffuse and breathe in. A drop of peppermint can also be taken under the tongue, but be cautious not to get it into or around the eyes. CLICK HERE to Learn More About Essential Oils Throat Chakra [...]

2018-01-02T03:02:08-08:00By |

Cannabis Pain Patch Administers Therapeutic CBDs

The newly-released cannabis pain patch targets seemingly explainable pain associated with fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. It is a new-found hope for patients because it is extremely difficult to treat these conditions. Cannabis Offers Hope for Better Quality of Life Nerve pain is a debilitating symptom of many illnesses, including diabetes, fibromyalgia, celiac disease and multiple sclerosis. Pain associated with these ailments drastically reduces quality of life. Take fibromyalgia for example: “The National Institutes of Health estimates that 5 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, a poorly understood disorder characterized by deep tissue pain, fatigue, headaches, depression, and lack of sleep. There is no known cure and the disorder is difficult to treat.” (source) An online survey conducted the National Pain Foundation discovered that most fibromyalgia patients find existing prescription drugs ineffective. Some survey participants were willing to try cannabis. The graph below shows the results of the survey. The survey clearly illustrates that cannabis is more effective than current FDA-approved drugs. Additionally, research has shown that cannabis is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy and nerve pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Cannabis Pain Patch Administers Therapeutic CBDs A California company, Cannabis Science, developed the cannabis pain patch as a new treatment for nerve pain. The company has launched two formulations of the patch for fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy patients. This new medication comes in a form of an adhesive patch that is placed on the skin. The patch delivers a specific dose of high potency cannabinoid (CBD) extract through the patient’s skin. CBDs then move into the bloodstream. Finally, the CBDs penetrate the central nervous system delivering pain relief. “CBD, the second major cannabinoid in marijuana after THC, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, but no psychoactive effects. However, recent research shows that CBD can be an effective treatment for many kinds of pain. Inflammatory pain has been treated effectively with CBD as well and some studies have shown that CBD may be more effective at treating inflammatory pain than traditional medication.” (source) Research continues to mount evidence regarding the powerful therapeutic properties of cannabis. The developers of the cannabis pain patch hope this new medication is an option for patients that are not comfortable with the psychoactive side-effects of oral cannabis options. The cannabis plants seems to fill the gap in treating a number of illnesses for which mainstream treatments remain unsatisfactory. About the Author Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 years in Costa Rica as a teacher of Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. During her free time, you’ll find her on the mat or in the kitchen, creating new kid-friendly superfood recipes. http://www.wakingtimes.com/2017/03/16/cannabis-pain-patch-administers-therapeutic-cbds/

2018-01-02T10:55:50-08:00By |

Medical Study Shatters the Theory that Cannabis Acts as a Gateway Drug

Research reveals that cannabis may, in fact, serve as an effective exit drug for persons suffering from alcoholism or addiction to illicit or prescription drugs. A survey conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that addicts may benefit from using cannabis as a substitute to more dangerous and health-destroying substances, especially alcohol and prescription drugs. Cannabis may be a step towards fighting addiction. “Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication.” ~ Zach Walsh, Researcher and UBC Associate Professor of Psychology The UBC study was conducted using a 414-question survey that was offered to medical cannabis patients. The survey gathered information about medical conditions and symptoms, patterns of medical cannabis use, cannabis substitution and barriers to access to medical cannabis. Collecting surveys from 472 adults, all of whom used cannabis for therapeutic purposes, the researchers found that: “Substituting cannabis for one or more of alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription drugs was reported by 87% of respondents, with 80.3% reporting substitution for prescription drugs, 51.7% for alcohol, and 32.6% for illicit substances.” The research also revealed that the use of medical cannabis may be able to help with depression, PTSD and anxiety in some sufferers. The researchers felt that it was not effective in treating symptoms of bipolar disorder and psychosis. The findings were published in the academic journal Clinical Psychology Review. The study also found that, according to evidence, “cannabis use does not appear to increase risk of harm to self or others.” (Source) Full study can be found here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.12323/abstract About the Author Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 years in Costa Rica as a teacher of Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. During her free time, you’ll find her on the mat or in the kitchen, creating new kid-friendly superfood recipes. Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161116102847.htm http://www.metronews.ca/news/vancouver/2016/11/16/smoking-weed-could-help-people-kick-addictions-ubc-study.html This article (Medical Study Shatters the Theory that Cannabis Acts as a Gateway Drug) was originally created and published by Waking Times and is published here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Anna Hunt and WakingTimes.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. http://www.wakingtimes.com/2016/11/19/medical-study-shatters-theory-that-cannabis-acts-as-a-gateway-drug/

2018-01-02T02:56:30-08:00By |

6 Ways to Rid Yourself of the Toxicity of Modern Living

Our world can be very toxic. This is simply a fact of modern life. Pollutants are everywhere. In the air we breathe. In the food we eat. In the water we drink, and they can even invade people’s words, thoughts and feelings. There really is no part of you – physical, energetic or spiritual – which isn’t under constant onslaught of some form of toxic substance. This is precisely why we need to take a proactive approach towards cleansing our bodies and minds. Here are some simple ways that you can cleanse yourself of the toxicity of modern society. 1. Activated Charcoal BPAs, heavy metals and pesticide are all present in our food chain. Which means they are also present in your body. Activated charcoal binds to pesticides and other environmental toxins. It then ushers them through the intestines to be purged from the body. After using activated charcoal, you can supplement your diet with molasses to replace important minerals the charcoal might leech from the body in the process of getting rid of the unwanted toxins. Recommended products:   Nature’s Way Charcoal Activated capsules Coal-Conut Activated Coconut Shell Charcoal Fine Husk Food Grade Powder 2. Milk Thistle The Western Diet is full of carbohydrate-rich foods, such as pasta, bread and rice, and of processed foods made with high-fructose corn syrup and sugar. As a result, more and more people suffer from fatty liver condition. Milk thistle (Sylibum marianum) is a common herbal supplement taken to improve liver function. In addition, this herb has been linked to reduction in certain cancers, reduced diabetes and even improvement in digestive disorders. Recommended products: Certified Organic Milk Thistle Extract Plus Turmeric capsules USDA Certified Organic Milk Thistle Capsules 4X Concentrated Extract 3. Nascent Iodine Much of the public in the U.S. is being mass medicated with fluoride. Some believe that in addition to physical ramifications on the human body, fluoride can also affect the pineal gland, an endocrine gland in the brain, which has been dubbed “the Seat of the Soul.” Iodine, naturally occurring in plants such as seaweed, effectively improves the removal of sodium fluoride via urine. Unfortunately, the Western diet has left us deficient of this vital mineral while our bodies need it most. In his book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, Dr. David Brownstein explains how iodine can kill fungi, bacteria, viruses and how it removes fluoride and enables the body to get rid of heavy metals. People who take iodine in sufficient amounts report that they have a greater sense of well-being, increased energy, and a lifting of brain fog and sharper mental abilities. Recommended products: Detoxadine Nascent Iodine Supplement Kelp capsules – 325 mcg of Natural Iodine 4. Shungite   Everything in the natural world produces an electromagnetic field, including the human body. Unfortunately, we are increasingly exposed to unnatural EMF’s that are emitted from Wi-fi and cellular networks, wireless devices, handheld electronics, power lines, etc. Scientific [...]

2018-01-02T02:41:17-08:00By |

7 Super Seeds that Will Change Your Health

Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. Nutrient-dense seeds are finally starting to get the attention that they deserve. Packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber and lots of minerals and vitamins, the following seven super seeds are an ideal addition to your meals to ensure you’re eating a balanced diet. 1. Chia seed Chia seeds are one of nature’s most perfect superfoods. Yes, they get stuck in your teeth if eaten dry and can become quite slimy when soaked in liquid, but they have very little to no flavor, so if used in a recipe or as a topping, you’ll hardly notice that you’re eating them. Once you frequently start consuming chia seeds, you will quickly notice benefits such as increased energy and digestive regularity. Being an incredible source of fiber, a single ounce of chia seeds has nearly half of the daily recommended requirement of fiber. They have more iron than spinach, more potassium than bananas, and more antioxidant strength than blueberries. One of my favorite health benefits of eating chia seeds is muscle and tissue regeneration. They contain more calcium than milk and are the richest plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fats can reduce joint pain and inflammation. Because of their soft seed coat, you will benefit from chia seeds’ nutrient content without having to grind them down. Sprinkle them on salads, mixed fruit, yogurt and oatmeal. Soaking them in water or juice for about 10 to 15 minutes results in a gelatinous liquid. Consuming chia seeds in this manner will help your body digest them. If you want this extra benefit, add them to smoothies, make a delicious chia seed pudding, or create a thicker gel and use as an egg or oil replacement in baked goods recipes. 2. Flax seeds   Although they are small, flax seeds must be ground so our bodies can digest the nutrients protected by their hard shells. Flax meal offers a nutty flavor and creates a smooth gel when mixed with liquid; hence, it makes a nice addition to baked goods especially if you’re looking for an inexpensive egg substitute. An ounce of flax seeds contains nearly 8 grams of fiber and 12 grams of fatty acids, as well as about one quarter of daily recommended requirement of magnesium for increased energy. Some research has shown that consuming flax seeds as part of a healthy diet can lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Ideally, you want to purchase your flax seeds whole and grind small amounts to store in the fridge for a week’s worth of use. Pre-ground flax seeds have been exposed to oxygen longer, which causes breaks down the polyunsaturated fats, thus lowering levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid that benefit the heart. Because of this, even whole flax seeds are better when stored in a fridge or freezer. 3. Hemps seeds These nutritious and healing seeds are starting to be [...]

2020-09-28T17:20:25-07:00By |

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