Inflammation is the result of the body’s response to infection, disease, allergies, or other irritants. Chronic inflammation can lead to various illnesses and more serious problems if it continues over a long period of time.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases and disorders such as acid reflux, acne, allergies/sensitivities, asthma, Alzheimer’s Disease, artherosclerosis, bronchitis, cancer, Celiac Disease, chronic pain, Crohn’s Disease, carditis, cirrhosis, colitis, dementia, dermatitis, diabetes, dry eyes, edema, emphysema, eczema, fibromyalgia, gastroenteritis, gingivitis, heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, interstitial cystitis, joint pain/arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome (syndrome X), myositis, ...<< MORE >>
Petrochemical-based xenoestrogens can be found in many things we come into contact with on a daily basis. They show up in our fuels, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plastics, clothing, personal care products, and more.
Synthetic estrogens are used to fatten cattle and poultry, and other meat-producing animals, and also to increase milk and egg production.
Many illnesses and diseases have been attributed to
hormonal imbalance. Hormone imbalance can cause decreased antibodies and lowered immunity and lead to conditions such as acne, migraines, infertility, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and obesity, among others.There are a multitude of different hormones in the human body and any number of hormones can become depleted or out of balance in both men and women but the three most commonly noted are estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance is connected to many conditions such as hair loss, fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, acceleration of the aging process, breast cancer, polycystic ovaries, mood swings, osteoporosis, uterine cancer, memory loss, endometrial cancer, bone loss, PMS, low sex drive, allergies, thyroid dysfunction, water retention, weight gain, irregular periods, high blood pressure, blot clots, and headaches.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can cause fatigue, loss of lean muscle, fat accumulation, increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and possibly prostate cancer.
Testosterone levels can be boosted by adding more omega 3 fatty acids like fish oil, and also adding more zinc (brazil nuts, oysters, oats, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, rye, split peas, organic beef, organic turkey, eggs) and magnesium: green vegetables such as spinach and some beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and whole, unrefined grains. (Refined grains are generally low in magnesium due to the processing. Bread made from whole grain wheat flour provides more magnesium than bread made from white, refined flour. Also note that "hard" water usually contains more magnesium than "soft" water.)
Progesterone
To promote progesterone production it helps to increase Vitamin C (citrus, red chili peppers, red peppers, red cabbage, guava, rose-hips) and zinc (brazil nuts, oysters, oats, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, rye, split peas.)
Hypothyroidism
Estrogen dominance can also cause hypothyroidism. The crucial nutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis in the body is iodine. Herbal supplements like kelp are a rich source of natural iodine. Natural, unrefined sea salt is also a good source of natural iodine. Peas are also rich in iodine.
Herbal Remedies
Black cohosh is a traditional remedy and was used by Native Americans for various ills from fever and rheumatism to menstrual cramps and snake bites. It has come into wider use worldwide to ease hot flashes and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance. In clinical studies it delivered better results than many conventional therapies such as hormonal drugs and antidepressants in alleviating hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal atrophy, depression, and anxiety.
Red Clover is also used for various conditions as well as to regulate hormones and to reduce hot flashes. Its isoflavones are natural hormones and it is high in nutrients.
Wild yam has been used as a progesterone enhancer. It, too, is nutrient-rich and multi-purposed.
Lifestyle
Getting enough natural sunlight and sleeping in total darkness at night helps hormone production. Daily exercise aids in restful sleep. Reducing stress and practicing conscious relaxation techniques, yoga, and meditation also helps to bring hormone levels into balance.
QuikTrip responded to an email we sent corresponding with the previous Green Sage Page entitled "Green Living: Does current offer from QuikTrip make the grade?" The formal letter from a Personnel Manager (Out of courtesy, we will not include the name.) recieved via postal mail from QuikTrip thanked the letter writer for the suggestion and stated that the "comments are being discussed corporately." Regarding the cup offer, the representative of the company stated, "QuikTrip offers the most Green cups available not using Styrofoam or thick plastic."
In addition to the letter, two coupons for free fountain drinks were included. QuikTrip will be happy to know that one coupon has already been redeemed. The soda came in a #5 recyclable plastic container that we vow to reuse here in the office.
A word on #5 containers. You may want to check with your local recycler to see if #5 Polypropylene containers are accepted, as not all communities may accept #5. Soda bottles are typically #1 and milkjugs are #2. You can find an interesting article on #5 recycling and the challenges at http://earth911.com/blog/2009/05/25/recycling-mysteries-5-plastics/
We invite readers to write editor@greensagepage.com with your comments.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Strelitzia
Birds ...<< MORE >>
After reading about the impact takeout cups have on the environment, I made a simple pledge to try and refill whenever possible. I bought a 16 ounce insulated cold drink glass from Starbucks and set out to change the world one drink at a time. Unfortunately, my hopes were quickly dashed that all corporations were as up to speed as Starbucks on environmental consciousness.
Shortly after finishing a long couple of hikes, I dropped by a Quiktrip in the St. Louis area with my cup in hand for a refreshing, ice cold drink. Admittedly, I love QuikTrip and have used ...<< MORE >>